BAMBERG, Germany — Whether a couple is trying to liven up a good marriage, or trying to save one that appears doomed, a Wisconsin-based minister, counselor and motivational speaker says a good laugh goes a long way.

Mark Gungor, sprightly and ever-smiling, was in Bamberg last week to present two sessions of his “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” seminar. It was his only appearance at a military base in Europe.

Gungor, who has been giving talks for 30 years, said he has presented this seminar across the United States and in many overseas military communities. He calls it a sort-of stand-up routine that is “men-friendly.”

“Men hate this crap,” Gungor said of marriage-enhancement seminars. “I take out the elements that men hate. They don’t want to spend hours analyzing their feelings.

“The key is that the couple communicates together.”

The seminar involves a couple of presentations that describe the differences between men and women and shed light on some myths about how to improve a couple’s sex life.

In “Tale of Two Brains,” Gungor cites differences in how men’s and women’s brains work.

“A woman’s brain is connected to everything, she is constantly thinking about everything,” he said. “A man’s brain is like a series of boxes where everything is filed away. There’s even a ‘nothing box,’ where a guy can go to think about nothing at all, like when he’s watching TV.

“The fact that men can do this, think about nothing, drives women nuts. Once women can understand that this is a normal thing in guys, the tension starts to let up in the home.”

Another presentation, “The No. 1 Key to Incredible Sex,” sheds light on some misconceptions men have about how to improve their love life.

“Culture teaches us that it’s good to fantasize and even good to look at porn magazines to improve your sex life,” Gungor said.

“That’s not true. The number one key is to focus on just one woman. It’s like junk food — if you eat too much, you won’t be hungry for the real deal.”

As part of the seminar, couples must fill out a Flag Page, which Gungor says identifies a person’s “wants” and “loves.” Only those who have signed up can take part in the survey, found at www.flagpage.com.

In the second session, Gungor reviews the results with the couples to make sure they are understood.

One couple who attended the sessions said they enjoyed the whole experience.

“The seminar is entertaining and funny,” family member Stella Tennant said in a 279th Base Support Battalion press release.

“It was a great opportunity to get out, listen and laugh with each other. It’s not about having a problem in your marriage — it’s about wanting to strengthen and improve your existing relationship.”

In the same release, her husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Willie Tennant of the 7th Corps Support Group, said the sessions helped to “re-energize relationships.”

“I’m glad soldiers and family members in Bamberg had the opportunity to listen to a professional give pointers that may make a difference in our marriages,” he said.