--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: speech to him was a task, a battle, words…" description: "\"“speech to him was a task, a battle, words mustered behind his beard and issued one at a time, heavy and square like tanks.”\" — Margaret Atwood" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/655/margaret-atwood-40_communication_speech-to-him-was-a-task-a-battle-words_1438148.jpg" --- # speech to him was a task, a battle, words mustered behind… ![“speech to him was a task, a battle, words mustered behind his beard and issued one at a time, heavy and square like tanks.” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/655/margaret-atwood-40_communication_speech-to-him-was-a-task-a-battle-words_1438148.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/655/margaret-atwood-40_communication_speech-to-him-was-a-task-a-battle-words_1438148.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/655/margaret-atwood-40_communication_speech-to-him-was-a-task-a-battle-words_1438148.jpg) > ““speech to him was a task, a battle, words mustered behind his beard and issued one at a time, heavy and square like tanks.”” [Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker describes speaking as a strategic, arduous effort, likening words to armored tanks that must be carefully deployed. **In simple terms:** Speaking is a deliberate, heavy battle. Key Takeaway Choose words wisely. Themes communication strategy effort Mood determined reflective Type advice literary When to use this quote - public speaking - debates - negotiations - teaching - leadership Key Concepts language psychology power dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do you prepare for a difficult conversation? - What tactics make your message more persuasive? A Different Perspective Words can be misinterpreted if not clear. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speech/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [Words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/words/) ## Related quotes > [We battle on in words, as always, mere words, and what's the cure? 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