J is for Joke

How to use a bad joke to rescue a dying conversation and save the day

You know the kind of conversation - when all the questions and comments have been exhausted and everyone starts to study their shoes?!

Enter the bad joke to the rescue! The art is in the set up. Follow these instructions to get everyone talking again, and you win points for saving them from embarrassment!

#1 Invitation When the conversation fails, ask: "Hey! Do you want to hear a bad joke?" (Everyone will say yes to avoid feeling awkward.)

#2 Set expectations low Assure them: "I promise it's a bad joke and you're all going to groan, okay?"

#3 Say the first part of the joke and pause. Look around smiling mischievously to get everyone's reaction so far.

#4 Deliver the punchline. (Everyone will groan, as anticipated, but will enjoy a collective laugh.)

#5 Conclusion Say to them: "See! I said you would groan." and smile. Then invite them: "Go on then. Tell us a better bad joke!"

And if you need a joke to start you off, my current favourite goes:

• What's orange and sounds like a parrot? 

• A carrot!

I told you it was bad! (Bet you groaned though?!)