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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.” quote by George Saunders
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“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.”

George Saunders

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.

Key Takeaway

Write with humility and respect.

Themes

writing audience awareness humility

Mood

thoughtful respectful

Type

instructional inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • public speaking
  • marketing copy
  • educational content

Key Concepts

communication theory empathetic storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance respect with clarity?
  • When is it okay to simplify?
A Different Perspective

Assuming audience intelligence may alienate some readers.

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