By Elimu Assistant Team 
This is a way of making the .audience laugh. Mainly used to break monotony or cheer up the audience… examples
- …make that the church inside Africa,’ Mr. Longway added and everyone laughed.’ Pg 147
- …We would still be here next year, admiring our hands if we were to do so’ again the summit hall rocked with laughter. Pg 178
- …dear minister ,you going to make same protestation, with as much vigour when your way omega get win.’ pg 178
Tutorial: Using Humor to Engage an Audience in “Fathers of Nations”
Welcome to this tutorial on how humor is employed in Paul B. Vitta’s “Fathers of Nations” to engage the audience and provide relief from serious themes. In this guide, we will explore various techniques of humor found in the text, along with examples that highlight their effectiveness.
Step 1: Understanding the Role of Humor
Purpose of Humor:
- Humor serves to break monotony and cheer up the audience, especially in discussions that may become heavy or tedious.
- Task: Reflect on how humor can enhance communication and understanding in various contexts, including literature and public speaking.
Step 2: Analyzing Specific Examples of Humor
Example 1: Clever Wordplay
- “…make that the church inside Africa,” Mr. Longway added and everyone laughed. (Pg 147)
- Analysis: This moment combines serious dialogue with light-hearted references, allowing the audience to find humor in the juxtaposition of political discussions and religious undertones. It shows how wordplay can uplift a conversation.
Example 2: Exaggeration of Situations
- “…We would still be here next year, admiring our hands if we were to do so” again the summit hall rocked with laughter. (Pg 178)
- Analysis: The exaggeration of being trapped in endless discussions adds a comedic element, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. This technique not only entertains but also engages the audience in the reality of political discussions.
Example 3: Sarcastic Remarks
- “…dear minister, you’re going to make the same protestation with as much vigor when your Way Omega gets a win.” (Pg 178)
- Analysis: This sarcastic comment highlights the repetitive nature of political rhetoric, eliciting laughter while critiquing the lack of genuine progress. Sarcasm can be a powerful tool to provoke thought while providing humor.
Step 3: Engaging the Audience with Humor
Incorporating Humor into Discussions:
- Use humor strategically to lighten the mood and keep the audience engaged. A well-timed joke or witty remark can create a connection and foster a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Task: Practice delivering a brief talk or presentation on a serious topic and incorporate humor using the techniques discussed. Aim to balance the serious content with light-hearted moments.
Step 4: Reflecting on the Impact of Humor
Consider the Effects:
- Reflect on how the use of humor in “Fathers of Nations” allows readers to engage with serious themes while enjoying the narrative.
- Task: Write a short reflective piece on how humor affects your understanding of the book’s themes, such as leadership and governance, and how it shapes your overall reading experience.
