The best advice I was probably given and the best advice I could give someone who is trying to get into the comedy field is to take advantage of every opportunity you have to work to hone your skills.
Bob NewhartRead
I've been told to speed up my delivery when I perform. But if I lose the stammer, I'm just another slightly amusing accountant.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that a unique speaking style, even if flawed, is essential to one's identity and performance.
Bob Newhart reflects on the importance of his stammer in delivering comedic performances. He implies that his distinct manner of speaking contributes to his comedic persona, and losing it would strip away what makes him unique, reducing him to just an ordinary accountant. This highlights the value of embracing one's individuality, imperfections included.
Themes
DeliveryHumorPerformanceIdentityIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a comedy workshop discussing the importance of unique delivery styles.
More from Bob Newhart
All quotes →I've always said people say on a dramatic show, 'I was crying. It was so emotional when he went and grabbed that little girl from a burning building and handed her over to her mother.' In comedy, the best thing you can say is, 'I think it's funny.'
Bob NewhartRead
Jack Benny was, without a doubt, the bravest comedian I have ever seen work. He wasn't afraid of silence. He would take as long as it took to tell the story.
Bob NewhartRead
I certainly don't delude myself that there aren't certainly more important things to do in life than make people laugh, but I can't imagine anything that would bring me more joy.
Bob NewhartRead
I found the most difficult thing when you became successful - when I had the record album, it won Album of the Year - that you were cut off from the source of your material. Your material was everyday people, and you were kind of cut off from that, and you had to work at it.
Bob NewhartRead
I'm most proud of the longevity of my marriage, my kids, and my grandchildren. If you don't have that, you really don't have very much.
Bob NewhartRead
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