Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1097IR // #c1097Synthesis

"An anecdote without bearing may be funny but one less funny that fits theme and occasion is far preferable." "humor alone rarely scores so heavily as the two combined, while the utterly grave speech never does on such occasions."

— In our words · Source: The Art of Public Speaking (J. Berg Esenwein & Dale Carnegie)

[Use when]

You've got a great joke for a toast and it has nothing to do with the occasion.

[Why it matters]

At banquets and occasions the authors want humor mixed with substance. A string of unrelated jokes joined by "And that reminds me" wastes the chance.

Filed under situations:When you need a yes and they’re not there yet

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