Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate how speakers project punch lines and organize joke-telling sequences in conversation. Previous studies on jokes and humor have revealed that the gap between expectation about what is to happen and what actually happens is what yields the humor aspect. Based on a conversation analytic approach, we examine how speakers properly combine these two components (expectation and event) to yield humor in conversation. Sackss' (1992) idea of "first verbs" will be quoted, and their ability to project punch lines is discussed. The results of the analysis will show that while "first verbs" may be used to let the hearer know that the punch line will come next in the joke-telling sequence, they will not reveal the content of the punch line. Further, it will be argued that this joke-telling sequence highlights the ordinary nature of the expectation which the speaker holds, and the extraordinary nature of the event faced by the speaker. These characteristics may contribute to produce humor in conversation.
