Bob Hope: Let's not do any jokes we didn't plan on, eh.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A speaker advises sticking to planned material to avoid risks or failures during a performance.
- In plain terms
- Stick to what you planned instead of trying new jokes.
- What can you take from it?
- Preparation reduces the risk of flopping in public.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is it better to play it safe?
- When should you improvise?
Another view
Sometimes planned material feels stale compared to spontaneous moments.
More from Jack Benny
Jack: [pointing a pistol at Bob's trousers] I'm going to blow your brains out.
Permalink to quote #85 Jack Benny played Mendelssohn last night. Mendelssohn lost.
Permalink to quote #87 Clyde: Oh, we're not going to make that trip again, oh no.
Permalink to quote #84
Related quotes
The student who would build his knowledge on solid foundations, and proceed by just degrees to the pinnacles of truth, is directed by the great philosopher of …
Samuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson quote #45 Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.
George S. PattonGeorge S. Patton quote #49 Proper preparation prevents poor performance
Charlie BatchCharlie Batch quote #1