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Brevity is the soul of wit

Meaning: The real art of speaking (especially when speaking humorously) is to use as few words as possible.

Note: brevity (noun): shortness of time; use of few but exact words | soul (noun): the spiritual part of something; the essence of something | wit (noun): lively, keen intelligence; ability to use words creatively and for humour

Origin: This proverb is based on the words of Polonius in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare (1564-1616):

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief...