They relax the tension in the classroom. What is needed in a classroom is a reaction that is real because it is spontaneous. This is where jokes and funny stories can come in handy. They lower the affective filter and create a relaxed atmosphere in the class. Most jokes are short so it does not demand long periods of attention while listening.
Many jokes are a good way of presenting cultural aspects of the language.
We can help our explanations and the understanding of the content by using gestures. Students react to what they have just heard. They show approval or dislike of the punch line. If we choose the correct ones, jokes are easy to tell and easy to understand. Jokes integrate psychological, psycholinguistic, sociological, discourse and strategic components.