How to Tell a Story, and Other Essays

In this lively essay the author unpacks the secret craft of the American humorous story, drawing a clear line between it and the more rigid comic and witty traditions of Europe. He argues that while a comic tale rushes to a punch‑line and a witty one leans on clever wording, a true humorous narrative drifts like a gentle river, letting its point surface almost by accident. The piece invites listeners to appreciate the subtle art of timing, tone, and the storyteller’s modest demeanor that makes the humor linger.

Drawing on the habits of legendary raconteurs such as Artemus Ward and James Whitcomb Riley, the writer offers vivid examples of how a master can weave ordinary details into a sprawling, seemingly aimless yarn that still lands with a quiet, unforgettable snap. Through witty anecdotes and keen observation, the essay reveals why the American humorist is as much an artist as a craftsman, and it teases the listener with the promise of more insightful musings on storytelling throughout the collection.