Bernard O'Shea: I stopped talking for 24 hours — here's what I learned

Losing my voice was a forced respite, an opportunity to reflect on the power of silence

I rarely pause to think before speaking. Picture: Moya Nolan

As a comedian, my mouth is my most valuable asset — and sometimes my most significant liability. I have often thought of the famous Abraham Lincoln quote: “Sometimes it’s better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” If only I could use this jewel of advice more often.

Over the years, it’s gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit. Always ready with a quick retort, I rarely pause to think before speaking. Last week, however, after performing 12 gigs in a row, I lost my voice. My wife, ever the pragmatist, rejoiced. For me, it was a forced respite, an opportunity to reflect on the power of silence. Could I go 24 hours without speaking? I decided to find out.