I heard John Wells say something really smart, many years…
“I heard John Wells say something really smart, many years ago. He said, "Assume your audience is really intelligent. Assume that they are really smart, and tell your story that way." So, for me, it's about never assuming that they will go away because they're not entertained.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourage audiences by treating them as intelligent, crafting narratives that respect their intellect.
In simple terms: Treat listeners as smart and tell the story accordingly.
Key Takeaway
Respect audience intelligence.
Themes
communication
storytelling
respect
audience engagement
Mood
thoughtful
professional
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- presentations
- marketing pitches
- educational talks
- media interviews
Key Concepts
intelligence
narrative strategy
listener assumptions
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance respect for intelligence with clarity?
- What techniques keep smart audiences engaged?
A Different Perspective
Assuming intelligence may overlook need for clear, engaging content.