How do I tell the perfect joke?

It’s funny you should ask.

Jokes have been a staple of human communication since the beginning of time. The guy or gal who gives a chucklesome knee slapper has always been a coveted title for virtually all people. Being that I myself am the textbook comedian, I have constructed a basic crash course on provoking a laugh.

To fully understand how to deliver the perfect joke, it is essential that we dig a bit deeper by reviewing the history of telling jokes. Unfortunately, the origin of jokes has no exact date in the timeline of humor. However, after a thorough surf of the internet, it can be concluded that the first recorded joke was sometime around 1900 BC. This is very telling that the human species has always had a knack for an occasional giggle. Fast forward about 3000 years, and jesters are cracking jokes everywhere you look in the medieval times. Now, in the 21st century, comedians seeking the admiration of a crowd are anything but rare.

For reference, here is a list of classic jokes that have been passed down from generation to generation:

“I went to buy some camouflage trousers today and couldn’t find any.”
“What do you call bears with no ears? B.”
“Wanna hear a bad joke? Paper.”

Sorry about that last one. That was tear-able. All foolish, wacky, goofy, dizzy jokes aside, these have been around for ages. Being that these are vintage, age-old jokes, it is telling that these characteristics are those of a joke that can pass the test of time. Notice how each and every joke is exceptionally confident, bold, and even swashbuckling.

Now that we have a sufficient comprehension on the matter, we are able to delve into how to be a comic reliever. It comes down to five major categories that must be considered before one attempts a jest.

1. Situation

In order to avoid public humiliation (or being the subject of a future joke), it is absolutely crucial that you have a sense of the current position you are in. For example, if a companion of yours tells you about how they recently failed a test or cut ties with their partner, it would not be the brightest idea to crack a silly joke.

2. Audience

Judging solely from experience, “Knock-Knock” or “Why did the chicken cross the road” jokes usually don’t go well with adults. Likewise, try to avoid dry or facetious humor with juvenile seekers of comedy.

3. Timing

Maybe the most important trait of a solid quip is the timing. With my extensive background in the comedy industry, the most common flaw I see with jokes is horrible timing. In most cases, immature buffoons are too excited to get a laugh that they give the punchline right after the beginning statement or question. Do not be one of these people.

4. Delivery

The fourth characteristic of a quality joke is the delivery. It is critical that you understand the necessary tone of voice for the joke in order to get a successful crowd reaction. The punchline should be delivered with a strong voice. Variance in velocity and volume is key for best results.

5. The Rule of 3

An often overlooked facet of the joke is the Rule of 3. This goes for ongoing jokes referred to throughout a conversation. It means to only crack the joke three times; more than this can provoke cringe from the crowd and can even be detrimental to a comedic career in severe cases.

Now that you have received a comprehensive guide to joke telling, it is your call to action to bring the classic art of the joke back to popularity.