Communication Assessment & Learning Lab
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Knowing What to Do and What Not to Do When Telling Jokes or Stories 

1. Make the story or joke relevant to your topic
2. Use a story or joke to gain the audience’s attention
3. Use as few words as possible
4. Create visuals that depict the joke or enhance the story
5. Use real-life examples
6. Practice until you could recite the story or joke anywhere
7. Do not use too many jokes or stories, as your point may be lost
8. Do not tell a story that could be perceived as bragging or as making fun of someone
9. Do not use words or phrases that the audience cannot relate to
10. Do not read your story or joke