Creating, holding and releasing tension

The comedian holds the audience in the palm of her hand when she starts to detail a serious and sad experience.

The audience wants out. They want to laugh or cry or applaud. Anything to relieve this tension!

Then the comedian hits them with the punchline, releasing the tension and it gains the biggest laugh of the night.

Similarly the best man dials up the heat in the room when he says he’s going to talk about love affairs other than the bride.

The banquet hall falls silent as everyone catches their breath.

The wedding guests all think to themselves – Doesn’t he know talking about past girlfriends is a giant no no?!?

You can hear a pin drop as the audience teeter on the edge of their seats, dying to hear more.

Then the best man gains a huge laugh when he reveals he is detailing the love affair of the groom and a sports team.

The creating, holding and releasing of tension is a fantastic tool to any willing to wield it.