Book review: No Laughs to Know Laughs

No Laughs to Know Laughs by Rory Vaden was published in 2007. This is a book designed to help people who feel they are currently in the “No Laughs” category to learn how to use humor effectively and “Know Laughs”.

I met Rory in Memphis this summer, and heard him speak at our Toastmaster Regional Conference. After hearing him speak and talking to him afterwards I decided to buy his book, which at 106 pages was a pretty quick read. In fact I had trouble putting it down and in fact finished reading it before flying home from the conference.

Rory’s assertion is that no one is born funny, but that humor is a skill to be learned much like any other. His book is roadmap to beginning that journey to becoming a more humorous person and incorporating that humor into public speaking. He includes his 7 laws of humor, 5 “fear fighters” and 10 reasons why people laugh. By understanding these ideas you will be a more comfortable speaker in any environment.

Although many of his examples are sales-related, he shows quite well how these principles can be used in other speaking situations.  

Great things about the book:
Easy style to read – Rory has a natural style that’s easy to follow
Nice humor throughout – an obvious need for a book on humor
Great tips that serve not only as a good read, but as a reference book you can go back to

Some limiting factors:
While being short makes it an easier read, some topics are covered more quickly than I might have expected
The section on humor exercises is just 4 pages

Great quotes:
“I bugged telemarketers when they were eating dinner”
“Capturing humor is easier than writing it”
“He had this look…like Jessica Simpson on Jeopardy”

Recommendations:
If humor is something you struggle with, this book is worth the investment. If humor is already your strength, you may find this book has a few tips you hadn’t considered before.

Check it out at http://secure.ssnseminars.com/store/Development-Resources-C10.aspx