Imagine Quote by George Saunders
“My mind goes really quickly and I tend to talk really fast, as you've probably heard, I sometimes lose track of my syntax, as I'm talking that fast. The only thing I try to do, well, it's slow down, but also I do something when I'm reading that's similar to when I'm writing a section, which is to really try to imagine you on the other side, in a certain way, as an intelligent, sympathetic presence who's rooting for me to tell you a good story.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation with George Saunders, 2020
He tries to slow his rapid speech by visualizing a supportive listener, turning communication into a collaborative storytelling act.
In simple terms: He imagines a kind audience to calm his fast talking.
Key Takeaway
Visualize a supportive listener to improve clarity.
Themes
communication
self-awareness
empathy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
advice
self-help
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- teaching
- writing
- interviewing
Key Concepts
mindfulness
imagery
storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imagining a kind audience change your speech?
- What other visualizations could help you?
A Different Perspective
If the imagined listener is not truly supportive, the technique may falter.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)