JOKES AND PUNS USING LANGUAGE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH

PUNS Some words have multiple meanings, whether they are spelled the same or not Some words have multiple meanings, whether they are spelled the same or not Example: Rock (to move back and forth, a small stone, a type of music) Example: Rock (to move back and forth, a small stone, a type of music) Example: Time/Thyme (measuring the passing of seconds and a seasoning) Example: Time/Thyme (measuring the passing of seconds and a seasoning) When we use another meaning of the word on purpose to be funny, we are using a pun When we use another meaning of the word on purpose to be funny, we are using a pun Puns are very common in sarcasm and jokes Puns are very common in sarcasm and jokes To understand them, we must think of the context, think of the alternate meanings of the words, and choose a meaning that makes the most sense To understand them, we must think of the context, think of the alternate meanings of the words, and choose a meaning that makes the most sense

THE ANATOMY OF A JOKE Part 1: The set-up Part 1: The set-up A story, a sentence, or a question that starts the joke A story, a sentence, or a question that starts the joke It establishes the rules/expectations of the joke, the setting, and any characters It establishes the rules/expectations of the joke, the setting, and any characters Should make the listener curious or interested Should make the listener curious or interested Part 2: The punchline Part 2: The punchline New information added at the end of the joke New information added at the end of the joke Often twists/changes the listener’s expectations Often twists/changes the listener’s expectations Might use a pun for comedic effect Might use a pun for comedic effect The surprise punchline makes people laugh The surprise punchline makes people laugh Analogy: Analogy:

EXPLAIN THE JOKE/PUN WITH A SMALL GROUP!

GUIDELINES FOR JOKES Practice the joke before you tell it. Make sure you know which parts to emphasize, where to pause (usually right before the punchline), and that you know all the pieces before you begin. Practice the joke before you tell it. Make sure you know which parts to emphasize, where to pause (usually right before the punchline), and that you know all the pieces before you begin. Make sure you understand the joke. Some jokes have a darker or inappropriate meaning and you don’t want to tell those. Make sure you understand the joke. Some jokes have a darker or inappropriate meaning and you don’t want to tell those. If you hear a joke, you can laugh. If you don’t feel like laughing, you can say something positive, like “good one.” If it’s a corny joke, you can smile and groan. If you hear a joke, you can laugh. If you don’t feel like laughing, you can say something positive, like “good one.” If it’s a corny joke, you can smile and groan.

YOUR JOB Today, you will research some jokes on Today, you will research some jokes on Tomorrow, you will choose one joke to tell into the camera. You can use sarcasm or puns in your joke. You can tell a knock-knock joke, a one-liner, or a story joke. You can research your jokes today, practice them today, and be ready to film them tomorrow. Tomorrow, you will choose one joke to tell into the camera. You can use sarcasm or puns in your joke. You can tell a knock-knock joke, a one-liner, or a story joke. You can research your jokes today, practice them today, and be ready to film them tomorrow. On Friday, we will watch and discuss everyone’s jokes. On Friday, we will watch and discuss everyone’s jokes.