Come up Quote by Anna Deavere Smith
“If I do three interviews in a day, I can be exhausted, because the process of hearing everyone requires that I empty out myself. While I'm listening, my own judgments and prejudices certainly come up. But I know I won't get anything unless I get those things out of the way.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Theater and Journalism, 2000s, USA
Conducting multiple interviews exhausts her, requiring self‑reflection to set aside bias before truly listening.
In simple terms: She must clear her own judgments to hear others fully.
Key Takeaway
Practice self‑awareness to improve listening.
Themes
empathy
self‑reflection
communication
bias
mental stamina
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
professional
Type
advice
process insight
When to use this quote
- journalistic interviews
- therapy sessions
- research panels
- daily meetings
- media work
Key Concepts
active listening
interview technique
psychological hygiene
professional ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one reset between intense listening tasks?
- What strategies prevent bias from dominating perception?
A Different Perspective
Exhaustion can limit depth of understanding if not managed.
