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Subject: Laffs at any Cost

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Steve Heller
Posts:366

11/11/2007 6:49 AM Alert 
I learned a big lesson on Friday afternoon at the Core77.com "Off-site Event" devoted to Design, Wit, and the Creative Act."

DON'T TRY SO HARD TO GET LAFFS (in fact, I shouldn't even spell it this way, but the correct way).

In an attempt to play the clown (a breed of humorist I truly despise), I devolved into virtual slapstick. Rather than wit, I did schtick.

More than applause, laughter is an intense ego stimulant, and in my fixation on the fix, I lost the audience.

I have always admired the way Michael Bierut, Paula Scher, and Chip Kidd inject humor into their public speaking so that it is a natural transition that is surprising, enjoyable, and edifying.

So, lesson learned (I hope). Laughs at any cost is much too high a price.

And to those who experienced my stale joke(s) as scratches on the blackboard, I apologize.


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Forums > Columns > The Daily Heller > Laffs at any Cost



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