Jest the Truth: Comedically Speaking

 "Most people would argue that an ability to be funny is often desirable when it comes to public speaking: why do you think that is? Also, you occasionally hear people speak about “truth” being revealed through humour: in what sense might this be possible"

Traci-Lynn Timony

PHIL-1013-(40)-23W

Dr. Edward Matthews 

January 29, 2023

 

As a corporate facilitator, the call to speak publicly is a standing appointment in my Outlook calendar. It is my mandate to speak frequently and unabashedly to the expectations, eventualities, and (sometimes) errors of my audiences’ chosen field. The content of some courses I offer can be bland; Effective Documentation, while not without its charms, is best taken before the afternoon slump. Other sessions have a more ominous tone; Respect, Disrespect, and Abuse has some heavy subject matter. However, small injections of appropriately placed wit tend to liven the room and can cause listeners to perk up and pay attention. Additionally, some truths that must be imparted in my classes (especially the latter-mentioned) are often better received when intermingled with carefully crafted quips.

Just recently, I was facilitating a virtual offering of our Medication Administration course to eighteen of our newest recruits. My title is facilitator therefore, it is my goal to create ease of learning; Monday Morning does not lend itself to this voluntarily. As I was reviewing the “Six Rights,” I relayed the first four (Right Person, Right Medication, Right Dose, and Right Time), then saw some droopy eyelids. Right Route – unlike Monday Morning – lends itself quite readily to comedic material. To pique my listeners’ interest, I inserted the phrase, “…because no one wants to take a rectal suppository by mouth.” The sheer absurdity of my statement caused droopy eyelids to rise in response to the eyebrows above them. As my students began to fully comprehend – perhaps picture in their minds’ eyes – exactly what was being suggested, laughter (if somewhat sheepish) ensued. 

This simple assertion, as outlandish as it is, imparted a truth! Sensibilities would dictate that no one would desire a caregiver to mistake a rectal insertion with an oral administration (or vice vera for that matter). I am not so sure that, if this outrageous action were to happen, it would be considered a “minor shortcoming” as Aristotle may say, it truly would be disturbing. However, as is quoted in our text, S.H. Butcher asserts the idea that comedic performance “may serve an educational end…” I would echo the thought that “the comic can have a constructive social function in the sense that it offers an example against errant behaviour.” (McDonald, 2013), especially in cases such as this.

This type of incongruity or absurdity may have the listeners questioning, “Has this actually happened?” or “If it has, should I have laughed?” I suppose it could be construed as “Schadenfreude” however, no one person is named – whether the giver or receiver of the suppository; there is no specific “butt” of this joke. It does serve the educational purpose of having the audience adopt the thought to avoid becoming the butt! Perhaps it fits more closely with Hobbs’ idea that the negativity is alleviated as it is a mistake that anyone guilty of occasional carelessness could make; therefore, making it inclusive or universal. 

In conclusion, comedy has the potential to greatly enhance public speaking and impart truths that may not have otherwise been well-received. I align closely to Cicero’s stance that comedy is a gift and truly “effective speakers tend to be those who can add levity and wit at appropriate moments either to counterbalance excessive seriousness, or to establish a rapport with the audience; comedy is also useful to rendering audiences more receptive to potentially unpalatable remarks” (McDonald, 2013). To belabour the point, I cannot imagine an example more unpalatable than the one given. Whether one ascribes to the traditional Judaeo-Christian beliefs or just admits that Solomon was an excellent poet and philosopher in his own right, one must agree that Proverbs 17:22 holds merit: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” It bears mentioning that this particular medicine is best administered orally.