A few last thoughts on the Art of Joke Telling:

* Jokes have to sound natural. Don’t warn your audience that the joke is coming. Instead, allow the material to leak in as if were part of the conversation. This gives you the element of surprise; that’s half of what jokes are all about anyway.
* Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you do tell a joke that bombs, point out how bad it was. Use some self-deprecation.
* Pace your delivery. Control your breathing (this is a whole ‘nother art.) Timing is critical.
* Modulate your voice when needed. Enunciate.
* Keep eye contact and SMILE. If you are sharing with a big group, shift your focus all over the room making eye contact.

Also, a few warnings when practicing this great art:

* Make sure the joke is appropriate. The funny one about the three naked guys in a boat might be hilarious with your friends but it could get you fired at work.
* Make sure the joke relates tactfully to the situation. If it doesn’t, then save it for a better time.
* DO NOT laugh at your own jokes. It makes you sound ridiculous.