The Laughter Club B1 B2 Module 2 January 17. Albert-Learning

Transcription

1 The Laughter Club B1 B2 Module 2 1

2 Summary Here s What We Will Be Learning in this Presentation: Laughter- What Is It? Laughter Is Indeed The Best Medicine. Comedy: Stand Up Comedians. Satire. Television Sitcoms. Exercises. 2

3 Vocabulary Diaphragm: A dome-shaped sheet of muscular tissue extending across the body below the chest cavity and separating the lungs and heart from the abdomen. It plays a major role in breathing. Stimuli: A thing that arouses activity or energy in someone or something. Tickled: Lightly touch or prod (a person or a part of the body) in a way that causes mild discomfort or itching and often laughter. Mandatory: Compulsory. Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes (quote): You never really know the reasons behind a person s actions until you have made similar experiences. 3

4 Laughter- What Is It? Definition: Laughter is a physical reaction in humans and some other species of primate, consisting typically of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli. Laughter can arise from such activities as being tickled, or from humorous stories or thoughts. 4

5 Laughter Is Indeed The Best Medicine Sharing a laugh with friends can improve your health along with brightening your day. Laughter can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, strengthen your immune system, and diminish pain. By seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness and even add years to your life. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. 5

6 Exercise 1: 1) Explain the term laughter. 2) When does laughter arise? 3) According to you, how can laughter improve your health? 4) Do you think laughter can increase your lifespan? Explain your answer. 6

7 Comedy: Stand Up Comedians Stand-up comedy is a comic style in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience, usually speaking directly to them. The performer is commonly known as a comic, stand-up comic, stand-up comedian, or simply a stand-up. In stand-up comedy, the comedian usually recites a grouping of humorous stories, jokes and one-liners typically called a monologue, routine, or act. It is often performed in comedy clubs, bars and pubs, nightclubs, colleges and theatres. 7

8 Some Famous Stand-Up Comedians: 1) George Carlin: George Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians. Best Quotes: a) Well, if crime fighters fight crime and fire fighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight? They never mention that... b) One great thing about getting old is that you can get out of all sorts of social obligations just by saying you're old. 8

9 2) Billy Connolly: Billy Connolly is a Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. Best known to many as a stand-up comedian, he appears in several lists of the greatest comedians ever, where he is often placed at the top. Connolly is also an actor and has appeared in many films. Best Quotes: a) People say it s always the last place you look. Of course it is. Why would you keep looking after you ve found it? b) Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? He s a mile away and you ve got his shoes. 9

10 Exercise 2: Make sentences using the following words: 1) Comedian 2) Obligations 3) Mandatory 4) Tickled 10

11 Vocabulary Vice: Immoral or wicked behaviour. Sarcasm: The use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Irony: The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Ridicule: Unkind words or actions that make someone or something look stupid. Endorphins: A chemical naturally, released in the brain to reduce pain, that in large amounts can make you feel relaxed or full of energy. Euphoria: A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness. 11

12 Satire Satire is used in many works of literature to show foolishness or vice in humans, organizations, or even governments - it uses sarcasm, ridicule, or irony. For example, satire is often used to effect political or social change, or to prevent it. Satire can be used in a part of a work or it can be used throughout an entire work. Satire is nowadays found in many artistic forms of expression, including literature, plays, commentary, television shows, and media such as lyrics. Examples: 1) The Daily Show. 2) Most political cartoons in newspapers and magazines. 3) The songs of Weird Al Yankovic. 4) Books by Mark Twain. 12

13 Television Sitcoms A situation comedy, or sitcom, is a genre of comedy centred on a fixed set of characters who carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms originated in radio, but today are found mostly on television as one of its dominant narrative forms. A situation comedy television program may be recorded in front of a studio audience, depending on the program's production format. The effect of a live studio audience can be imitated or enhanced by the use of a laugh track (A laugh track (or laughter track) is a separate soundtrack for a recorded comedy show containing the sound of audience laughter.) 13

14 Some Examples: Seinfeld Cheer s Please Like Me Friends The Simpsons Man About The House 14

15 Fun Facts About Laughter 1) Laughter is linked to the brain, namely that area of the brain that produces endorphins, that induce a feeling of euphoria in humans and other animals. 2) Humans laughed before they learned to speak. 3) Evidence shows that some animals, like rats and monkeys, also laugh. 4) Kids tend to laugh three times more than adults. 15

16 Exercise 3: 1) What makes you laugh the most? 2) Doctor, Doctor Jokes (Read them and write them): Example 1) - Patient: Doctor, doctor I think I m invisible. Doctor: Who said that? Example 2) Patient: Doctor, I think that I am a dog. Doctor: How long have you felt like this? Patient: Ever since I was a puppy. 16

17 Try these: 1) Patient: Doctor, doctor I ve lost my memory. Doctor: When did this happen? Patient:. 2) Patient: Doctor, doctor I keep thinking there s two of me. Doctor:. 17