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Consumers don't think how they feel. They don't say what…

“Consumers don't think how they feel. They don't say what they think and they don't do what they say.” quote by David Ogilvy
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“Consumers don't think how they feel. They don't say what they think and they don't do what they say.”

David Ogilvy

About This Quote

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

People often act inconsistently with their internal states, leading to a gap between feeling, speech, and behavior.

In simple terms: Inconsistent inner and outer actions.

Key Takeaway

Self-awareness reveals hidden motives.

Themes

psychology behavioral economics communication self-deception cognition

Mood

reflective candid analytical

Type

observational advice

When to use this quote

  • marketing research
  • customer interviews
  • team feedback sessions
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance emotional intelligence social perception

Practical Applications

  • designing authentic brand messages
  • improving interpersonal trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we bridge the feeling‑action gap?
  • What tools help people align speech with inner states?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that people can accurately articulate their feelings when prompted, reducing the gap.

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