The Daily Stoic Quintilian on How to Tell a Joke
May 2, 2021
In this episode, Quintilian, an Ancient Roman rhetorician and author, shares timeless secrets from his work on oratory and humor. He dives into the intricate relationship between humor and effective delivery, emphasizing its emotional depth. Listeners will discover the subjective nature of humor in public speaking, as he reflects on orators like Cicero. Quintilian also explores the nuances of wit and the challenge of teaching humor. Get ready to unlock the art of making people laugh while captivating any audience!
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Humor's Primal Power
- Humor isn't just logic, it comes from a primal place, touching you deeply.
- A joke's effectiveness relies on mood, experience, and the speaker's ability to draw you into their world.
The Art of Speaking
- Effective speakers use slight of hand and manipulation.
- Stoics understood the art of delivery and using humor to connect with an audience.
The Difficulty of Humor
- Humor is difficult because it's often untrue, slanted, and demeaning, relying on primal emotions, not logic.
- People's reactions to humor vary widely, triggered by various stimuli like clever remarks or even physical contact.
