comic timing

Comic timing is the skill of delivering jokes, punchlines, or humorous moments at precisely the right pace and rhythm to maximize their effect.

The pause before a punchline, the beat after a setup, the speed of a retort—all depend on timing.

Good comic timing can make mediocre material funny; poor timing can kill the best joke.

Her comic timing was impeccable—she knew exactly when to let the silence do the work.