You are preparing a big speech. The audience does not know you. You want to connect with the audience. This is why so many speeches start with, “A funny thing happened … .” A simple joke breaks the ice and creates a connection.
For over 20 years, I have been asking the simple question, “Would you like a joke?” Over 95 percent of the people answer, “Yes.” People are excited to get a joke. Often people say, “You made my day.”
In line to order at the food court, I asked the lady, “Would you like a joke?” Her answer caught me off guard. “I haven’t smiled or laughed in 18 months,” she said. After hesitating for a moment, I told her the joke. She not only smiled, she laughed.
Winner of Sioux Falls mayoral race won't be decided for weeks
UPDATE: Sioux Falls City Clerk Jermery Washington announced Wednesday morning that two of the five provisional ballots cast in Tuesday night’s Sioux Falls mayoral race are valid.
