The rule in delivering humor is to tell the anecdote, humorous quotation, or one-liner slow enough for your congregation to get a clear understanding of the story but fast enough not to have your congregation catch too early on the joke.  As you know, this is called pacing.

Timing, as the comics call it, is 90% use of the pause. The rule for the pause is to take a brief beat before the revelation word (see the glossary for comic terms) and a beat after it.

 Word emphasis is also important.  The rule is to emphasis the most important words, but not to do it as if you were in an acting class.  BE SUBTLE.

You need to start to understand your comic delivery style. (The best way to do so is to tape record your delivery of anecdotes weekly.)  But until you understand the ways to improve your comic delivery, the best way  to tell the anecdote or humor line is to tell it naturally, just as you would with any other story.

 The LOOK TECHNIQUE is a delivery method to extend the laughter from your congregation.  This technique consists of smiling a little after the revelation word is delivered, then bend your head down toward the pulpit.  When the laughter start to weaken, lift your head back up continuing to smile.  When the laughter starts to end, then stop smiling.  Although this technique works and sounds simple, it is more difficult than you think.  In order to master this technique, it will take practice.

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