Even at an early age, I wanted to be a comedian.
I tried telling jokes from joke books, but I wasn't very successful.
So I studied comedians at my local comedy club.
Eventually, I got the hang of it.
The first thing to do is to make sure you know the joke cold.
Read it over many times.
There's nothing worse than someone who begins a joke, then forgets the punch line.
The next step is to make the joke sound conversational.
Instead of saying, "A guy goes into a bar," say, "I was with my friend, Harry, the other day, and we went into this tavern on Bleeker street.
Harry ordered a beer...
etc.
" It's important to relax when you tell a joke.
This is often easier said than done.
I would take a few deep breaths before you're going to tell the joke.
Also, visualize your audience laughing hysterically.
That often helps.
Engage your audience by making eye contact with them, be they one person or a crowd.
When it's time to do the punch line, make sure you "punch it up.
" By that I mean, say it with power and confidence.
Hand gestures also help.
The first few times you perform the joke, you may mess it up due to nerves.
Be prepared for that.
I recommend having a saver or two.
Savers are phrases that you can use to get laughs even if the joke itself doesn't get any.
For example, you might say, "My wife told me that joke would never work.
I should listen to her more often.
" If you want to kid someone whose there, you might say, "That's the last time I buy a joke from Angela.
" After telling the joke two or three times, you'll know just how to do it for maximum laughter.
Have fun!