6 Minute English – What makes us laugh?

Alice
Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English. I’m Alice…

Neil
… and I’m Neil. OK Alice, I’ve got something for you here… a question…

Alice
Yeah.

Neil
Ready? What is the Mexican version of One Direction?

Alice
Um… No idea.

Neil
Juan Direction. Get it?

Alice
Very good…

Neil
Juan Direction… You know?

Alice
Yes, yes, I get it.

Neil
Never mind. Can you guess what the subject of today’s show is instead?

Alice
Is it bad jokes?

Neil
Come on! That was a good little gag! Yes. The subject of today’s show is… what makes us laugh. And in this context, to get something, for example a gag – or joke, means to understand it. We all like to laugh – well not you apparently – but most of us do! It’s good for our health, it reduces stress and releases feel-good hormones in the body.

Alice
OK, thank you, Neil. But how about answering today’s quiz question? Which Greek word means the study of laughter and its effects on the body? Is it…
a) risology?
b) gelotology?
or c) comology?

Neil
That’s difficult and I’m going to say c) comology because it’s got the word ‘comedy’ in it, you see?

Alice
Oh, very good. OK. Well, we’ll find out later if you’re right. Now, did you know, we rarely laugh when we’re on our own? Laughter is a social thing that we generally like to share with other people.

Neil
Really? I laugh when I’m watching cartoons on my own – don’t you, Alice?

Alice
No, Neil, I don’t. Anyway, some researchers believe that the purpose of laughter is related to the way we bond with each other. And the more we laugh, the more we bond as a group.

Neil
Interesting idea. It could explain why stand-up comedy – where a comedian performs in front of and talks directly to their audience – is very popular entertainment. But what does it take to keep your audience laughing? Let’s listen to Steve Byrne, a successful US comedian talking about this.

INSERT
Steve Byrne, comedian
The one single thing an aspiring comedian should do is to write, write, write and talk about the things that make them laugh. Selfishness – time to be selfish – time to be a little narcissistic. What is it that makes you laugh? Because that will get you closer to finding your voice. Because ultimately that’s why people come see you.

Neil
So comedians need to be selfish and narcissistic – that sounds pretty negative!

Alice
Yes, it does. Narcissistic means being too interested in yourself – for example your appearance or other personal qualities. And aspiring means wanting to be successful in your chosen career.

Neil
And what does Steve mean when he says comedians need to find their voice?

Alice
Well, he means they need to talk about what they think in a way that’s unique – meaning unusual or special – to them.

Neil
OK. Let’s listen to Steve again talking about turning 40 and what he finds funny about that.

INSERT
Steve Byrne, comedian
When you turn 40 you will hear this in your life and hopefully you’ll hear this the rest of your life. ‘You look good for 40. You look good for 52. You look great for 63.’ You never hear that when you’re young. You never hear: ‘You look good for 19.’

You think there’s going to be some magic potion – some magic shortcut to it all. It’s writing and getting up on stage. It takes a lot of perseverance and it’s such a competitive occupation. You know, you’ve just got to outwork everybody.

Neil
Well, we heard Steve making his audience laugh there. And by the way, Alice, you look fantastic for 40.

Alice
That’s not funny, Neil. I’m only 39 and you know it. Anyway, moving on, Steve says there’s no magic potion or shortcut to success. You have to work hard – it doesn’t happen by itself. And perseverance means to keep on trying to achieve something even when it’s difficult.

Neil
He says you have to outwork everybody – which means to work harder than everybody else. Steve certainly doesn’t make comedy sound much fun, does he?

Alice
No. In fact some people say there’s a connection between depression and comedy – that comedians can be introverted and depressive.

Neil
Is that right? Introverts are generally quiet people who are more interested in their own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people.

Alice
Yes, you’d think that most comedians would be extroverts – people who are lively and enjoy the company of others. OK I think it’s time for the answer to our quiz question, Neil. I asked: Which Greek word means the study of laughter and its effects on the body? Is it…

a) risology?
b) gelotology?
or c) comology?

Neil
Yes. I said c) comology, which I think I’m beginning to regret now.

Alice
Yes, well, indeed. Sorry, I’m afraid that’s the wrong answer. It’s actually b) gelotology – which comes from the Greek word, gelos, meaning laughter.

Neil
OK. You can stop sniggering now, Alice and just tell us today’s words once again?

Alice
Alright then. Here they are:
get something (e.g. a joke)
gag
stand-up comedy
narcissistic
aspiring
unique
perseverance
outwork
introverts
extroverts

Neil
Well, that just about brings us to the end of today’s 6 Minute English.

Alice
See you next time.

Both
Bye.