Now that’s something! Credits have to be given to the group of writers who came up with these funny lines. They were so witty (and intelligently written) that even a dead-pan face Bush could deliver it with significant success. One of his lines actually got him about 12 seconds of laughter and applause! (The one where Bush thanked Senator Webb for doing security). Note that the lines were exceptionally funny for Americans since it was written for their listening. Only goes to show that knowing the audience is equally - if not more - important when you are writing humor.

My only gripe is that Bush was reading from his script way too often. Though we all know that he’s not him who wrote the funny lines, he could at least make his speech more natural by remembering his lines. In addition, I felt that the acknowledgements (near to the end) became very insincere as he was relying on his script too much. The effect is similar to telling us your name while referring to your script. But then again, Bush cannot afford to be quoted for lines that were not scripted especially since the audience is the Press itself. (It was an address to the US TV and Radio correspondents) We all know from history that this could be blown into epic proportions.

So here’s my take. Even if you have a script, rehearse it! Some people think that having a script means that you do not need to practice, which is a big no-no. In fact, you MUST rehearse even more with a script since it can distract you. Notice how some speakers try to connect with their audience while ensuring that they read whatever the script says. That’s added work!

So if you really need a script, here’s the rule of thumb - Don’t Speak While Looking Down. The reason is simple. Each time you do that, you break connection with your audience. Can you imagine having a conversation with your friend while staring at your cup of coffee? In one of my posts, I talked about a reading technique that James C. Humes proposed. For those of who you do not know, James is a world renowned speaker who have wrote speeches for five Amercian Presidents!

His reading method has three-steps: “see-stop-say”. You look down and take a snapshot of the words you see. Next, you bring your head up and pause. While looking at your audience, you say the memorized lines. Make it conversational! In other words, look into the eyes of ONE of your audience. And speak to him like he is the only one present. In reality, several people will feel like you are looking at them. Three steps. See-Stop-Say. The more you practice, the more natural you become.

Here’s a quick recap of the funny lines with commentaries from John Kinde, a humorist and convention speaker.

“I’d like to thank the Radio and TV Correspondents Association for providing dinner tonight…and I’d like to thank Senator Webb for providing security.” (12 seconds of laughter and applause)

1. Note that in the world of stand-up comedy 5 seconds of laughter is as big laugh. The even bigger laughs get applause.
2. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), had to explain earlier in the week why an aide was carrying a loaded handgun as he tried to enter a Capitol complex building.
3. Referring to fresh events is normally a hit. People love a timely joke.

“Well …where should I start. A year ago my approval rating was in the 30s, my nominee for the Supreme Court had just withdrawn, and my vice president had shot someone,” (22 seconds of laughter and applause)

1. This uses the rule of three, with the third item being the most bizarre.
2. This line was the funniest line of the routine.

“Ah…those were the good old days.” (9 seconds of laughter and applause)

1. The technique of a topper is a great way to get laughs, riding on the wave of the previous joke.
2. Less is more. Here the real punchline is implied, “things are really bad these days.” It’s stronger to let the audience “get the joke.”

“Sorry the Vice President couldn’t be here. He’s had a rough few weeks. To be honest, his feelings were kind of hurt. He said he was going on vacation to Afghanistan, where people like him.”

1. Cheney’s recent trip to Afghanistan was marked by a bombing near where he was meeting.
2. Implied is that things have not been going well for Cheney recently.

“You in the press certainly have had a lot to report lately. Take the current controversy. I have to admit we really blew the way we let those attorneys go. You know you’ve botched it when people sympathize with lawyers.”

1. Again the power of current events.
2. The joke plays with the stereotypical joke using lawyers as a target.

“Speaking of subpoenas, it’s good to see Speaker Pelosi tonight (she was at the head table). Some have wondered how the two of us would get along. Some say she’s bossy, she’s opinionated, she’s not to be crossed… Hey, I get along with my mother.”

1. The setup uses the rule of three and leads to the punchline “my mother.”
2. The joke works because it is HIS mother.
3. And it it works because Barbara Bush is a strong woman who can take a joke.
4. And MOSTLY it works because Barbara Bush is a very well-liked former first lady. If she had been an unpopular first lady, the joke would not have worked nearly as well.

“But between the congress and the press there is a lot of scrutiny in this job. Not a day goes by that I don’t get scrutineered one way or the other.”

1. One of the techniques used here is the fabricating of an imaginary word which sounds a little like something else (screw).
2. This is a good line for the President who is not known for always perfectly using the English language. So he is subtly poking fun at himself.

“The press is a lot tougher in the second term. It’s reached the point I sometimes call on Helen Thomas just to hear a friendly voice.”

1. Helen Thomas, a senior correspondent who has become well-known for her tough questions at live Presidential press conferences.
2. The principle of absurdity makes the joke work.

“No matter how tough it gets, however, I have no intention of becoming a lame duck President….Unless of course Cheney accidentally shoots me in the leg.”

1. A call-back to the Cheney joke at the opening of the monologue.

“I’m considering what’s next. President Clinton wrote a very successful presidential memoir with 10,000 pages or something. I’m thinking of something really fun and creative for mine….You know, maybe a pop-up book.”

1. Great word choice. Pop-up book is more unexpected than coloring book. And sounds much funnier.

“Consider a number of titles. Which do you like? How W. Got His Groove Back; Who Moved My Presidency; Or Tuesdays with Cheney.”

1. Again using the rule of three and parody book titles.

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