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I think we can learn a lot about a person in the very…

“I think we can learn a lot about a person in the very moment that language fails them. In the very moment they they have to be more creative than they would have imagined in order to communicate. It's the very moment that they have to dig deeper than the surface to find words, and at the same…” quote by Anna Deavere Smith
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“I think we can learn a lot about a person in the very moment that language fails them. In the very moment they they have to be more creative than they would have imagined in order to communicate. It's the very moment that they have to dig deeper than the surface to find words, and at the same time, it's a moment when they want to communicate very badly. They're digging deep and projecting out at the same time.”

Anna Deavere Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When language breaks down, a person’s true creativity and urgency to be understood surface, revealing deeper aspects of their character.

In simple terms: Language failure reveals hidden creativity and urgency.

Key Takeaway

Observe how people act when words fail.

Themes

communication creativity human nature authenticity

Mood

curious introspective

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • interpersonal dialogue
  • teaching
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

psychology expressive behavior emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you respond when you can’t find words?
  • What does this reveal about your own communication style?
A Different Perspective

Not all insights are reliable; people may mask true feelings.

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