This Week's Tip: Don't Open with a Joke

  Humor is tough, especially in business. Jokes need to relevant, non-offensive, and funny. If you're a nervous speakers, trying to open with a joke just makes things more challenging than they need to be.  

Post Tip Discussion

  We have an interview with Jon Clarke. Jon is a freelance writing director and copywriter with nearly 20 years of experience in the advertising industry. His portfolio includes work for Verizon, Lenovo, Jim Beam, and some of the country's leading pharmaceutical companies. On weekends he is Bono for Without U2, the popular Midwest U2 cover band   As a pop culture expert, Jon has moderated panels at science fiction conventions, written a comic book, produced YouTube videos that have reached hundreds of thousands of viewers, and performed as a Stand-Up Comedian in New York. In 2013 he launched the Caffeinated Comics podcast, reporting on all the geeky activities in the Chicagoland area.   Jon talks about advertising, comedy, music, and importance of building a relationship with your audience.   You can learn more about and engage with Jon here:

• Twitter: @notinmybook
• Caffeinated Comics Podcast Blog
• Caffeinated Comics on Facebook
• Without U2

  Do you have any comments or questions? Do you know someone else I should interview for the podcast? Post them here, or call the listener line at 650-TalkTip (650-825-5847)