When i went to China, trying to describe stand-up comedy to locals was a communication meltdown.

“Ok, so there are a lot of people sitting and watching me and I tell jokes.”

Blank stares. Blinking. I try a different angle.

“Ok, I have a microphone, you know, a microphone? It makes my voice very loud. I hold the microphone, then I talk and all the people laugh.”

Horrified looks.  A woman takes my hand and leans in close.  “I so sorry.”