Oscar Meyer, Ball Park and General Willis. This especially got a strong reaction because their new commander, General Frank Willis, had taken command only three weeks earlier. I built the tension, used the pause to enhance the tension before the punchline, and then used the pause again to let the punchline sink in. Of course there are times when tension is not built through words or a story line. Even then, the magical pause can strengthen the punchline.
Anticipation is a form of tension.
The impact of the punchline is enhanced by adding a tension relief. The pause plays another important role when used just before the punchline. The most important part of the joke is the punchline and more specifically the punchword. The pause focuses attention on this key element. The well-placed and timed pause will help ensure that the audience hears the punchline.