Audience Quote by Max Lucado
“I've found great virtue in two-thirds of the way into the message; right before I'm really want to nail home a point, pausing to tell a joke or to tell a light-hearted story, because I know my audience has been working with me now for 20 or 25 minutes. And if I can get them to laugh, get oxygen into their system, it wakes up those who might be sleeping, so there's something about using a story to draw people back in right before you drive home your final point. In that case I think it's real legitimate just to use a story for story's sake.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Power of Storytelling, Max Lucado, 2015
Using humor and stories re‑engages audiences before concluding points, making messages memorable.
In simple terms: Stories and jokes refresh listeners.
Key Takeaway
Pause for a story before ending.
Themes
communication
public speaking
engagement
humor
storytelling
Mood
energetic
inspirational
Type
educational
motivational
When to use this quote
- presentations
- workshops
- teaching
- leadership training
Key Concepts
attention span
cognitive reset
emotional connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance humor and substance?
- When is a story most effective?
A Different Perspective
Overuse of jokes can dilute the core message.
