Audience Quote by Steve Martin
“Your only guidepost is your own instinct and judicious editing. In my stand-up act I learned that in the first 10 minutes I could say anything and it would get a laugh. Then I'd better deliver. In the movie it's the same thing. You get a lot of laughs when people first sit down and then the story better kick in. Many years in front of an audience, I would hope, give me a sense of what works.”
About This Quote
Source Stand‑up Comedy Routine, 1995
Effective storytelling starts with a strong hook; after grabbing attention, the content must deliver on that promise.
In simple terms: Hook the audience, then deliver.
Key Takeaway
Begin with a compelling opening, then follow through.
Themes
storytelling
comedy
structure
audience engagement
Mood
entertaining
educational
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business presentations
- public speaking
- writing
- teaching
Key Concepts
narrative arc
humor timing
performance dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your main content lives up to the initial hook?
- What techniques keep the audience engaged after the opening?
A Different Perspective
A weak follow‑through can disappoint and lose credibility.
![“When you present works of art, one thing I've learned is that if you're lucky - [Laughs] - there will be those few people who, shall we say, get it? Really become engaged, become moved by it in their own way. You cannot control what other people are going to think about it.” quote by Robert Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e4/robert-barry-3413_art_when-you-present-works-of-art-one-thing_2453368.jpg)
![“[Grandfather] would manufacture funnies with Grandmother before she died about how he was in love with other women who were not her. She knew it was only funnies because she would laugh in volumes. 'Anna,' he would say, 'I am going to marry that one with the pink hat.' And she would say, 'To whom…” quote by Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/405/jonathan-safran-foer-136_anna_grandfather-would-manufacture-funnies-wi_267729.jpg)
