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Audience Quote by Phyllis Diller

“Too many comics today ramble. By the time they get to the punch line, the audience has either gone to sleep, gone to the bathroom or gone to bed.” quote by Phyllis Diller
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“Too many comics today ramble. By the time they get to the punch line, the audience has either gone to sleep, gone to the bathroom or gone to bed.”

Phyllis Diller

About This Quote

Source Stand-up Comedy Routine, 1970s, live performance

The joke drags on so long that the audience loses interest before the punchline arrives.

In simple terms: Long jokes lose audience attention.

Key Takeaway

Keep jokes concise and timely.

Themes

comedy timing audience engagement

Mood

amusing critical

Type

observational humorous

When to use this quote

  • stand-up shows
  • live events
  • online videos

Key Concepts

attention span humor structure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you tighten a joke without losing its core?
  • What pacing works best for your audience?
A Different Perspective

If the setup is too long, the payoff may never land.

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