Abstract: A formal investigation into the temporal architecture of spoken humor, demonstrating how sub-second micro-pauses govern punchline comprehension and maximize audience physiological response.
The resolution of incongruity requires two sequential brain states: the detection of a semantic contradiction in the punchline, followed by the rapid synthesis of a secondary interpretive frame that reconciles the premise. If the delivery velocity exceeds 5.2 syllables per second without an acoustic break, cognitive overload prevents the second frame from crystallizing before the speaker moves to the next sentence.
The classic vaudeville 'ba-dum-tss' functions as an auditory exclamation mark. By calibrating the frequency drop from 180 Hz to 45 Hz over 80 ms, followed by a metallic high-pass noise burst at 4000 Hz, the auditory cortex receives an unambiguous release trigger that synchronizes communal laughter.