This PBS preview, which aired for the 2014 Mark Twain Prize, reveals how Jay Leno and other comedians can “choose words and phrases for effect” — a National Standard — and enable students to analyze “how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor” — a Common Core Standard.

You’ll find Leno’s entire acceptance speech and learning standards at PBS LearningMedia:  Jay Leno’s Acceptance Speech for the Mark Twain Prize.  In addition, you’ll find a range of rich resources to make learning about the power of words interesting for students.