Mrs thatcher Quote by Alan Bennett
““and when Mrs Thatcher came to the college for a scientific symposium Tyson was deputed to take her round the Common Room. This is hung with portraits and photographs of dead fellows, including one of the economist G. D. H. Cole. Tyson planned to take Mrs Thatcher up to it saying, ‘And this, Prime Minister, is a former fellow, G. D. H. Dole.’ Whereupon, with luck, Mrs Thatcher would have had to say, ‘Cole not Dole.’ In the event he did take her round but lost his nerve.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The History Boys, Alan Bennett, 2004
A nervous host tries to impress a distinguished guest but fumbles due to anxiety and overthinking.
In simple terms: A nervous host makes a mistake when trying to impress.
Key Takeaway
Stay calm and focus on the guest, not the details.
Themes
anxiety
social interaction
impression management
humor
Mood
nervous
lighthearted
ironic
Type
anecdotal
humorous
social.
When to use this quote
- academic tours
- formal receptions
- public speaking
- meeting dignitaries
Key Concepts
politics
historical figures
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prepare for high‑stakes introductions?
- What strategies keep you grounded under pressure?
A Different Perspective
Overthinking can cause simple errors and undermine confidence.
![“[On being asked how many Mrs. Thatchers there were:] Oh, three at least. There is the intellectual one, the intuitive one and the one at home.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c73/margaret-thatcher-463_home_on-being-asked-how-many-mrs-thatchers-th_1205127.jpg)