Thank you madame toastmaster and good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

What makes us laugh?

What creates that tickle in the brain to elicit that funny reaction--laughter. Laughter that comes in all shapes and sizes, from the full belly laugh to the silent body roll and everything in between.

Is it as simple as a funny point like this:

Or perhaps something even more clever that uses more than average intelligence to make you laugh, like this?

or this

For me, it's as simple as thinking up ways to use a simple four letter word.

No....not an explitive

This dude abides, but how about dude as in saying hello:

Right? It totally fits here.

Or how about when you think you hear something in your house, like this:

Yes, Dude is pretty useful.

It can also be used when you are so sorry about a circumstance....

Or, it can also be used when something, or someone is really awesome...

Well, at least this guy thinks he's awesome, not sure if I completely agree, perhaps he's awesome in the sense of crazy.

which also leads me to the use of the word when you're stuck in a sticky situation and don't know what to do....

Let's practice, everyone say dude with me when you think there's something to be sad about

Now let's try it when there something to be excited about.

Ok, one more????


How about you ask me, and I will do it for you?


Now that we have practiced the practical uses of the word dude, I challenge you to all use it today in a sentence with anyone. Let me know how it goes--it would be great if this went viral across USP for no reason except this moment.

I can't take full credit for folks that already use it in their everyday vernacular--we all know a few--but I can safely say that it is not many of us that usually use it.

and the moral of this story is for us all to remember....

Let's do one more....


How about relieved?

Unless....

you are crazy....

Laughter is the best medicine

Thank you