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I do think of my reader, or listener, really, more often…

“I do think of my reader, or listener, really, more often, if I give a lecture, for example, and I know that I'm talking to these people; I enjoy sort of preening them a bit. But it's a matter of decorum, basically.” quote by William H. Gass
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“I do think of my reader, or listener, really, more often, if I give a lecture, for example, and I know that I'm talking to these people; I enjoy sort of preening them a bit. But it's a matter of decorum, basically.”

William H. Gass

About This Quote

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

Lecturers may enjoy flattering their audience, but decorum requires restraint and respect.

In simple terms: Flattery should be balanced with respect.

Key Takeaway

Maintain humility in presentation.

Themes

communication humility decorum

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • performance

Key Concepts

rhetoric ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you engage without pandering?
  • What boundaries define respectful discourse?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on flattery can appear insincere.

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