Communication Quote by Jacques Barzun
““We hear them continually on TV: hence they occur first when it is our turn to talk. In this regard, talk may be said to be the enemy of writing. If you observe yourself when on the point of writing that the word rising spontaneously to your mind is not the hard, clear words of a lover of plain speech, but this mush of counterfeits and cliches.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Writing, 1970s
Talking can corrupt writing by filling the mind with clichés instead of clear, original language.
In simple terms: Talk pollutes writing with clichés.
Key Takeaway
Guard against letting speech dictate your prose.
Themes
writing
clarity
creativity
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- drafting essays
- authoring articles
- creative brainstorming
- editing drafts
Key Concepts
clichés
mental discipline
authentic voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you detect when speech is hijacking your writing?
- What habits help you keep language fresh?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on speech may still produce useful ideas if filtered.
