Meaning: This quote by Marcel Achard, a French playwright, humorously captures the universal experience of giving a lecture or a presentation and the common behavior of the audience. The quote reflects the playwright's understanding of human nature and the dynamics of attention and engagement during public speaking.

Achard's remark about people looking at their watches during a lecture acknowledges the reality that audiences may become conscious of the passage of time, especially if the lecture is lengthy or if they are eager to move on to other activities. The act of checking the time during a lecture is a natural response for many individuals, and it doesn't necessarily indicate disinterest in the content being presented.

However, the second part of the quote humorously amplifies this familiar situation by describing the act of raising the watch to one's ear to check if it has stopped. This exaggeration adds a comedic element to the quote, as it portrays a level of impatience or distraction that goes beyond a casual glance at the time.

In a broader sense, Achard's quote can be interpreted as a commentary on human behavior and the challenges of capturing and maintaining the attention of an audience. It highlights the delicate balance that speakers must strike between delivering engaging content and respecting the natural inclinations of their listeners.

From a practical perspective, the quote also serves as a reminder to speakers and presenters to be mindful of the audience's experience and to strive for engaging and dynamic delivery. It underscores the importance of creating content that captivates the audience and holds their attention, thus reducing the likelihood of them resorting to checking the time.

Marcel Achard's career as a playwright and screenwriter spanned the mid-20th century, and he was known for his wit and humor in depicting human interactions and social dynamics. His works often featured sharp dialogue and insightful observations about human behavior, and this quote exemplifies his keen understanding of human nature and his ability to capture it in a succinct, memorable manner.

In summary, Marcel Achard's quote about giving a lecture and audience behavior offers a humorous and insightful reflection on the dynamics of public speaking and the challenges of keeping an audience engaged. It serves as a reminder to both speakers and audience members of the universal experiences and behaviors that can occur during a lecture, and it encapsulates Achard's astute observations about human nature and interaction.