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Well, anybody can be a straight man if he hears well. You…

“Well, anybody can be a straight man if he hears well. You just have to wait for laughs. A straight man just repeats the questions and the comedian gets the laughs and you just wait for them and don't let them die completely at the tail end of the laugh.” quote by George Burns
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“Well, anybody can be a straight man if he hears well. You just have to wait for laughs. A straight man just repeats the questions and the comedian gets the laughs and you just wait for them and don't let them die completely at the tail end of the laugh.”

George Burns

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A straight man supports a comedian by delivering setup lines and pausing for audience reaction, allowing jokes to land.

In simple terms: The straight man sets up jokes and waits for laughs.

Key Takeaway

Master timing and let jokes breathe.

Themes

comedy timing collaboration

Mood

playful lighthearted

Type

humorous instructional

When to use this quote

  • stand‑up routine
  • improv show
  • sketch comedy

Key Concepts

setup pause delivery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you know when to pause?
  • What cues tell you the audience is ready?
A Different Perspective

If the pause is too long, the joke may fall flat.

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