Jim Jefferies Quotes

Finding your voice as a stand up comedian means deeply knowing who you are as an artist and a human being.

It was probably years before I was confident enough in stand-up that I was able to talk about the things I wanted to talk about, the way I wanted to talk about them.

I like to do talk show appearances where I get to just be myself, and I do stand-up where I can completely be myself. That's what I've always loved the most, of anything.

To stand up on the stage is to say to many people: Look at me. How can you do that without speaking the only truth you know? There is no such thing as an uncommitted actor.

Stand-up. It's the only place I'm comfortable.

Loads of blokes think they're funny, but it counts for nothing unless you get up and have a go.

I want to say things on stage that I wouldn't have the guts to say in conversation.

Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.

I never wanted to be a magician. I never wanted to be a comedian. I never wanted to be onstage.

I've given myself permission to say whatever's on my mind when I'm on stage.

I've been doing stand-up since '89.

I love stand up and it keeps me grounded, to say the stuff I have been thinking without anyone changing it.

I always try to be myself. Ever since I was an introverted kid, I'd get on stage and be able to break out of my shell.

The really good stand up comedians can be angry but relatable, and they have interestingly humanizing personalities. Their observational skills are far greater than mine, so I'll just stick to reading lines off a page.

The truth is, for however much my stories come out of things that have happened to me, they're not darkly or as deeply personal as someone like Marc Maron or a lot of comedians, but they are essentially my life and my interpretation of it.

This is what I believe about performing: There is no reason to be on stage - there is no reason to be there - if you're not going to put all your baggage somewhere else and just be honest. Whatever you're doing - screw it up, do great - just be there, and be honest. That's the most important thing.

I've always been me. I've always been very direct and have told the truth and have been very willing to stand up and speak out.

Preaching is the most original thing I've ever done. There's nothing familiar about it. You have to be brave.

I prefer being known for my stand-up because I write it. I love being an actor, and saying other people's words is great. But then, when I do stand-up, I love getting my own point of view out there.

It takes both courage and talent to stand up in front of fellow human beings and make them crack a smile, and at the same time keep it clean.

I feel like my secret magic trick that separates me from a lot of my peers is the bravery to be vulnerable and truthful and honest.

I dare you all to write one more thing that you won't say to my face.

With Twitter, you just want to make people laugh in their meeting; on stage, people have paid for their tickets with their hard-earned money, so I owe them the truth as I experience it.

There is never hesitation about doing stand-up. It's just me doing my thing.

I want to show the world my humor.