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| How to be Funny on
Purpose: An Anatomy of Humor by Edgar E. Willis |
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| .... Share on Facebook "How to be Funny on Purpose" Introduction For centuries illustrious thinkers have speculated about what inspires the beguiling and uplifting sound of laughter. With their ideas in mind, Edgar Willis takes an innovative and sometimes startling approach to the subject. Its key element is a precise and practical set of instructions for turning the momentary flicker of an idea into a full-fledged and funny joke. He provides further enrichment with lively discussions of such relevant topics as: good jokes and bad ones, the often hilarious consequences of unintended humor, and the perils of being funny. Richard L. Weaver II adds informed insights into using the Internet to find and develop jokes. The result is a book of extraordinary reach and dimension. The tone is erudite without being stuffy. He uses hundreds of jokes to illustrate techniques of joke making and shares anecdotes about his adventures and misadventures with humor. The probing analysis of humor's complexities will challenge your capacity to perceive and understand. The value of this book to aspiring humorists is obvious. It can also guide teachers, preachers, and public speakers into using humor to add zest and attention-holding power to their presentations. Most importantly it can amplify the response and sharpen the appreciation of people who relish hearing funny stories, and that includes almost everyone. They have laughed at jokes before, but having read this book, they will laugh louder, for now they will know why they are laughing. |
 Edgar E. Willis is an authority on what inspires the sound of laughter. He has taken an innovative and sometimes startling approach to the subject resulting in a precise and practical set of instructions for turning the flicker of an idea into a full fledged and most important... a funny joke. How to be Funny on Purpose uses hundreds of examples. Edgar discusses good and bad jokes, including his personal anecdotes about his own adventures and sometimes misadventures with humor. |
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Rave Reviews for "How to be Funny on Purpose" |
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"Ronald Reagan would have loved this book. This is a wonderful adventure
through the history of humor. It is a primer on how jokes are created
and how to deliver them. How to be Funny on Purpose is an insightful
perspective on the essence of comedy in our lives." Darrell Trent, United States Ambassador Acting Secretary of Transportation under President Ronal Reagan ---- "A great read! Dr. Willis puts humor in perspective and has presented us with a book that is informative, educational, and witty. Readers will learn about the history of humor and, more importantly, how to use it both business and social situations. It's a win-win winner." Major H. Stuart Knight Director (Ret.), United States Secret Service ---- “Should be on every Toastmaster's shelf... How to be Funny on Purpose,, with it's analysis of humor, many humor devices, and numerous examples from professional funny men and women, is a combination reference and how-to book. In Toastmasters International we know that our speeches are greatly enhanced with a sprinkling of humor. This is a complete book on humor for lay humorists, professionals, and non-speechmakers as well, and it will help everyone put more humor in their lives... on purpose." Muriel Nicewonder Former Division Governor, District #28 Toastmasters International, Mission Viejo, CA |
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How to be Funny on Purpose Table of Contents |
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Table of Contents 1. Why be Funny? 2. What is Funniness? 3. Being Funny Without Meaning To Be 4. The Master Key to Creating Jokes 5. A Trigger of Laughter: Self Satisfaction 6. Triggers of Laughter: Incongruity and Surprise 7. Finding Your Way to a Joke 8. Helping a Joke Along 9. Distinguishing Good Jokes From Bad Ones 10. Should I Tell This Joke? |
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Videos: How to be Funny on Purpose: An Anatomy of Humor |
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How to be Funny on Purpose: An Anatomy of Humor, Part
1 of 5 It's more than how to be funny. Edgar E. Willis breaks down why jokes are funny, what it takes to be funny, and how to set up jokes so they are funny. It's the anatomy of humor... And Then Some! The How to be Funny series shot in 1995. This video might be a little grainy and old, but the teachings are sound. |
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