I thought this was were we came to tell jokes

Well CRAP........You beat me to it.

Before you open your mouth, know your joke. Even if you're adlibbing, you must have a clear idea of where you're headed.
Know your audience. All jokes are not appropriate for all gatherings.
Do not ask for permission to tell a joke. Surprise is crucial. Jump in and go!
Do not tell everyone how funny your joke is beforehand. You'll make your audience defensive and your laughs smaller.
There must be ample set-up to the joke, providing the pertinent details the audience needs to know.
There must be a punch line or strong conclusion.
When in doubt, the shortest distance through Step #5 and onto #6 is usually best.
Avoid detours. As a rule, jokes work best in a straight line.
Commit to your joke. Once you begin, follow through to the end.