The anatomy of a joke

Mark Twain says that the human race has only one effective weapon, and that is laughter. If you want to impress somebody, make them laugh. If you want to associate with someone new, make them laugh. If you want to get a raise from your boss, make him/her laugh.

If you want to take yourself out of a completely miserable situation, make yourself laugh and if you want to change the world, make the world laugh. What’s the easiest way to make someone laugh? Tell a jest. Some people are good at telling jokes, but have no idea how funny it turns out when they say it.

These people are of course funny. But if you are not one of these people or have always had a problem with being funny, don’t fret. Understand that all jokes have a formula behind them that makes them funny; otherwise, it’s not funny and that’s not a joke.

Every joke begins with a target. The target can be anything from dogs and cats to lawyers or bosses. Just remember to cater the joke to the right audience. It’s going to make fun of someone or something, but usually the result will not even make the joke seem bitter at all.

And if you happen to find yourself to be in a position where you are one of the nicest or kindest people on earth, then you can always slim down the hostility. After this, the joke needs to start off real – something that people can relate to and tell themselves that what you’re telling them about is real and there’s nothing to worry about.

From there you can build up a story through anticipation or tension, and then give them an exaggerated response that has a surprise ending which blows them away. You choose how you want to go about doing this. Here is a classic example.

“A man and a woman who have never met before find themselves in the same sleeping carriage of a train. After the initial embarrassment, they both manage to get to sleep; the woman on the top berth, the man on the lower berth.

In the middle of the night the woman leans over and says, “I’m sorry to bother you but I’m awfully cold and I was wondering if you could possibly pass me another blanket.” The man leans out, with a glint in his eye, says, “I’ve got a better idea… Let’s pretend we’re married.”

“Why not?” giggles the woman. “Good,” he replies, “Get your own blanket. Pass me another blanket.”

Small Talk:

Keep track of!

Dattu Good morning! Let's start our meeting now. We shall have a discussion about the annual sales target of our department. Pandu, please keep track of to day's meeting and send it to everyone by evening.

Pandu Okay. I will post it on the web site as well.

Dattu Thank you. You're very thoughtful. Let's get into the subject. The com pany hopes that sales for this year should be increased.

Ramu How?

Dattu I did some investigation on all the factors and I've come up with some solutions. In the fol lowing months, I expect each of you to have at least five new clients every month. Is there any problem?

Neeraj No. We will try our best to achieve the goal!

Notes:

Keep track of- To keep a record of something, or make sure that you know or remember what has happened.

Example:

His job is to keep track of all the shipments going out to customers.

Know Your Vocabulary:

Choose the closest meaning and tick it.

1. deficient

a) incomplete b) careless c) hard-working

2. citation

a) replacement b) defender c) special honour

3. cholera

a) a disease b) bright light c) failure

4. papyrus

a) smiling face b) ancient paper

c) witty saying

5. hoax

a) wishful thought

b) contrary opinion c) practical joke

6. rebuttal

a) the argument against

b) supporter c)distribution

7. mangy

a) grand b) shabby c) neutral

8. gratify

a) greet b) please c) give

9. feudalism

a) social system b) order of knights c) family disagreement

10. revolutionise

a) change greatly

b) accept the presence

c)use original ideas

Key:

1-a; 2-c; 3-a; 4-b; 5-c; 6-a; 7-b; 8-b; 9-a; 10-a

Whys & Wherefores

Sir, what are the best steps to read a book?

By Rani Rudrama, Warangal

Dear Rani Rudrama, Reading a good book can be an entertaining, informative and educative experience. Try to search for a book that you know you'll enjoy. The book you choose to read has a lot to do with how motivated you'll be to finish it.

If you don't have a perfect book you like or want to find one, make a list of your favourite hobbies, subjects, and genres. Choose a book that will make this an enjoyable, learning experience. Find the perfect reading area. The location of your reading is an important factor to consider.

Try to pick a quiet, comfortable place where there is no distraction. Indoor or outdoor locations can both have their positive sides. Choose according to personal style. You'll need some water as well- reading can be tiring business, and you do not want to get dehydrated. Set the mood.

This is mostly according to personal preference. You could play soft music in the background to make you feel more relaxed or you could dim the lights, and leave one single lamp on. Whatever makes you most comfortable, will benefit the reading experience. Open the book, begin to read.

Try to get caught up in the action, and forget where you are at the moment. This can make you want to read more, and enjoy the experience. Try not to take a break unless needed. Concentrate on the story and get caught in the moment. After about an hour or two, take a small break.

Refresh yourself, reload on water and snacks. Have a chat with a family member. Jog for a little while. This will help you prepare for the next "round" of your reading time. Finish the book. Get back to your reading corner and complete the novel. When you are completely done, try to reflect on what you've read and the entire experience.

By Dr Vangeepuram Sreenathachary

(The writer is an Assistant Professor at Palamuru University and can be reached at: vschary@gmail.com)