raise a laugh
To cause someone or an audience to laugh. Don't try too hard to raise a laugh during your speech. You're here to inform people, not entertain them.
raise a smile
To cause someone or a group to smile. I tried making a joke, but everyone was so disheartened by the news that it didn't even raise a smile.
raise a ˈlaugh/ˈsmile
do or say something that makes other people laugh/smile: If the speeches are not going well, ask Paula to speak; she can always raise a laugh.His jokes didn’t even raise a smile, which was embarrassing.