Communicate Quote by Anna Deavere Smith
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Theater and Storytelling, Anna Deavere Smith, 2015
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.
![“Since I was born I wanted to entertain and communicate. I wanted to communicate so badly ... My sixth-grade math teacher taped my mouth. I'm still out to get her [for that]. It was very traumatizing!” quote by Jenna Elfman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/398/jenna-elfman-16457_born_since-i-was-born-i-wanted-to-entertain-a_280843.jpg)
