How to Deliver a Good Knock-Knock Joke

Is “Knock-Knock” falling away into the wax museum of chuckle history making way for more sophisticated high-speed humor? I doubt it, but this morning on a Sacramento “Good Day” show, veteran on-the-street reporter Mark S. Allen was interviewing young kids and asking them if they knew any good knock-knock jokes.

Not only was he surprised, but I was surprised myself that none of the kids knew how to premise the famous delivery: “Knock-Knock.” Is this a stellar example of the dreaded “dumbing down” of America? Is the classic banter of ice breaking immortality becoming mortal and dying in its tracks? Not if I can help it!!! So for the sake of posterity, here is how one “manipulates” the ever classic, knock-knock joke.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• conversation
• finesse

1. The best approach for the starter joke, as they tend to come in a flurry once started...at least they used to!...is to catch the recipient somewhat off guard. As part of an unrelated conversation start with, “I’ve got one for you (pause), Knock-Knock.”

2. The recipient will be one of two types. The first is the “jumper” who jumps right in with “Who’s there?” The second is the “thinker” who recognizes the answer will be something a “smart” person should be able to figure out before it gets there. This person will carefully ask, “Who’s, there?” manipulating time to free up brain space in anticipation of a “pre-settlement” of the yet to be proffered hypothesis.

3. Timing, of course, is everything. For the jumper, you can toss the proposal right out there and they will bark the proper response back like a puppy anxious for a doggie treat, “Blah-Blah Who?!” The answer may not be as satisfying as such but gives them the action/reaction aspect of completion they are comforted with.

4. The “thinker” on the other hand, takes a bit more finesse in the proposal delivery. Now you have to ply your bait with distinct enunciation so as to force that free brain power to focus on what you are saying, instead of racing around trying to pre-calculate the answer. Their “blah-blah who?” comes back with trepidatious often head-cocked eye contact, brows furled in that “let’s see if you get me” look. Then, BAM, you got ‘em ... maybe.

5. Fortunately the outcome of the volley is different for each recipient drawn into the “got a good one for ya” web of wonder. Ones reaction and satisfaction varies with their own sense of humor, aspects of life they’ve lived and overall imagination. That’s what makes it the classic time transcending joke that will endure through time.

6. "I've got one for ya'..." I made one up a long time ago I think you can stump your pals with:
   Knock-knock. Who’s there? You old lady. You old lady who? Hey!...I didn’t know you could yodle!

Tips & Warnings

• Here's a fun idea. How about anyone who reads this put their favorite knock-knock (if you have one) in the comment area and lets keep them safe for future generations!

[callylilly]

on 10/28/2009 I always enjoy a good knock knock joke, interesting article.

[walker7]

on 10/28/2009 Great article on delivering a knock knock joke...thanks!

[tammyfrost]

on 10/27/2009 Lol...this is a funny topic. Great read and well detailed thanks!

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/26/2009 Sorry, I don't know any knock, knock jokes, but I have heard of them all my life. Cute article. I did try to think of one but couldn't come up with one. Maybe later. If I think of one I'll let you know. 5*and rec.