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Never underestimate your listener's intelligence, or…

“Never underestimate your listener's intelligence, or overestimate you listener's information.” quote by Eric Sevareid
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““Never underestimate your listener's intelligence, or overestimate you listener's information.””

Eric Sevareid

About This Quote

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

Underestimate your audience’s intellect or overestimate their knowledge, and communication fails.

In simple terms: Know your audience’s intelligence and knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Match message to audience.

Themes

communication humility education

Mood

instructive pragmatic

Type

educational strategic

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • public speaking
  • marketing

Key Concepts

cognitive bias information theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you gauge audience expertise?
  • What signs indicate overestimation?
A Different Perspective

Assuming knowledge can alienate listeners.

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