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Audience Quote by Patton Oswalt

“As you get older, as a comedian, and keep doing it, what you actually start to cherish on stage is not the build-up to the jokes, but how comfortable you can be in the silence and the non-laughing parts, and how long you can take the audience without a laugh to then get a huge reaction.” quote by Patton Oswalt
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“As you get older, as a comedian, and keep doing it, what you actually start to cherish on stage is not the build-up to the jokes, but how comfortable you can be in the silence and the non-laughing parts, and how long you can take the audience without a laugh to then get a huge reaction.”

Patton Oswalt

About This Quote

Source Interview: Podcast, 2020

Comedians learn to value silence, using pauses to heighten audience reaction.

In simple terms: Silence can be powerful.

Key Takeaway

Embrace pauses to boost impact.

Themes

comedy performance timing audience engagement

Mood

humorous insightful

Type

performance strategic

When to use this quote

  • stand-up shows
  • live events
  • rehearsals
  • improv sessions

Key Concepts

silence as tool psychology of humor

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you used silence effectively?
  • How can silence change audience perception?
A Different Perspective

Relying on silence may risk losing momentum if not timed well.

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