Ashamed Quote by David Sedaris
“Performance is really an important part of how I edit. I sometimes take something out because I realize I put in a joke just to be funny and the audience laughed, but I should be ashamed of myself. I sometimes take out sentences, which are perfectly fine on paper, just because they don't flow when I say them out loud. I always read my work out loud now.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Art of Editing", The New Yorker, 2015
He prioritizes spoken flow over written perfection, editing out jokes that only work on paper and reading aloud to ensure natural rhythm.
In simple terms: Read aloud to catch awkwardness.
Key Takeaway
Edit for how it sounds, not just how it reads.
Themes
editing
performance
authenticity
self‑critique
Mood
analytical
self‑aware
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing drafts
- public speaking
- audio recordings
- workshop feedback
Key Concepts
voice
audience perception
writing process
humor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hearing your words change your editing choices?
- When is a joke better on paper than spoken?
A Different Perspective
May sacrifice some literary nuance for oral smoothness.
