Audience Quote by George Saunders
“I think about how I conceptualize the audience. The trick is that they've got to be smarter and more worldly than me. So as I'm revising, I'm keeping that in mind. I cannot condescend, even a little bit. Every single choice that I make is motivated by that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: George Saunders on Writing, 2015
He stresses treating the audience as intelligent and worldly, avoiding condescension and shaping choices accordingly.
In simple terms: Respect the audience’s intelligence.
Write with humility and respect.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- public speaking
- marketing copy
- educational content
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance respect with clarity?
- When is it okay to simplify?
Assuming audience intelligence may alienate some readers.