So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'
Patton OswaltRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As comedians mature, they learn to appreciate the pauses and discomfort in their performances, which can amplify the humor when the punchline finally lands.
In this quote, Patton Oswalt highlights an important aspect of stand-up comedy that often goes unnoticed: the significance of silence and the moments without laughter. As comedians grow in their craft, they understand that these pauses can create tension and anticipation, ultimately leading to a more impactful and rewarding reaction from the audience when the timing is right. This reflects a deeper appreciation for the art of performing and the dynamics of audience engagement.
Themes
ComedyPerformanceTimingAudienceSilence
In practice
Example use cases
At an open mic night, discussing the nuances of live performance.
More from Patton Oswalt
All quotes →All the truly great stand-ups say, 'I go onstage, and I work on jokes. The inspiration will happen while I'm doing my work.' To me, in the end, the surest thing is work.
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Meal isn't over when I'm full. Meal's over when I hate myself.
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Wars are usually really popular with people that aren't gonna be affected by them. 'Cause it's just entertainment, and it's just weird, like, 'Well, we've got to show the world that we're strong.' No we don't. And by the way, that has nothing to do with you. Why are you equating yourself with that... you know what I mean?
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A lot of nerds aren't aware they're nerds. A geek has thrown his hands up to the universe and gone, 'I speak Klingon - who am I fooling? You win! I'm just gonna openly like what I like.' Geeks tend to be a little happier with themselves.
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I really had to imagine the kind of person that I would have been if I had never left my hometown. I don't think I would have been a very pleasant person.
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