Tips to Present Jokes in front of Children

A group of kids can make for a pretty tough room when telling jokes. Not only does common sense come into play in knowing what jokes are appropriate, but there are a few things you should do to improve your chances of gaining that which is one of life's greatest experiences, the laughter of a child.

Get their attention
Whether it is just one kid or a room full of them, you can't effectively set up a joke if they are not even focused on you. Make sure to make eye contact. This is also one of the times when you actually want to say, "Want to hear a joke?"

Help them follow along
You may have to speak a little slower than you would with an adult. You should also put emphasis on certain words or ideas you want them to pay attention to. Exaggerate your body language and facial expressions. Anything you can do to clearly get the build-up of the joke across.

The punch line
Pausing after the punch line is almost mandatory with kids. It prompts them to laugh, which many you will find do even if they don't get the joke. But that's OK. Younger siblings get just as much enjoyment out of laughing along just because older sister or brother is laughing. When giving the punch line, it is also a good idea to give a suspicious little smile to indicate that what you just said was what they should focus on.

Be silly
Don't be afraid to act like a kid when telling jokes to kids. Some may even react with, "That's silly!" but even then they will have an appreciation for your sincerity in trying to make them laugh.
On your next attempt, try out this favorite among kids:
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
The Interrupting Cow.
The Interrupt...
MOO!

That one never gets old. However, you may need to prepare yourself for the possibility of a bunch of kids running around yelling, "MOO!" at unsuspecting adults. Telling jokes to children can be more fun and rewarding that with your friends or other adults. There's just something special about why a child laughs and also in what their laugh sounds like. There are few things in life that can beat it. Just remember to always do your b...MOO.