I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
Joan RiversRead
I walk on a stage, and I know if it's been a good show or not. You know when it's been a good interview. No one has to tell you. You know it. You feel it. You can feel the air. You can feel everything about it when it's a good show. And you know when you've messed up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the intuitive nature of performance and the immediate feedback one receives from their audience.
Joan Rivers highlights the instinctive understanding performers have about their craft, particularly when they have executed well or poorly. This sentiment reflects the experiential knowledge gained through performance, where subtle cues from the environment and audience can reveal the success of the show, making it clear to the performer themselves without the need for external validation.
Themes
PerformanceShowIntuitionFeedbackAudience
In practice
Example use cases
A performer might use this quote when discussing their latest comedy show to illustrate the importance of audience reaction.
More from Joan Rivers
All quotes →"I've learned what's funny verbally ain't so funny on e-mail: They don't hear your intonations. Melissa broke up with somebody over that. She tried to tell him: "That was a joke!" But he just didn't get it. Mick Jagger said, "F- 'em if they don't get the joke." And I love him. That comes with age: Knowing it's their problem, not mine."
Joan RiversRead
I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive.
Joan RiversRead
Life goes by fast. Enjoy it. Calm down. It's all funny.
Joan RiversRead
Life is so tough. I don't know how old you are, but I've seen so much in a wink. One phone call and your life is changed forever. We all know that. You better laugh at everything.
Joan RiversRead
I would not want to live if I could not perform. It's in my will. I am not to be revived unless I can do an hour of stand-up.
Joan RiversRead
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