Communication Quote by Mike Bartlett
“When I can find a story that explores something that I don't know what I think, I've got a play. If I knew the answer, I would write a speech or an essay.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Unspecified, likely a workshop or script development context
The quote contrasts the creative impulse to explore unknown ideas through drama versus the certainty of writing speeches or essays when the answer is known.
In simple terms: Explore unknown ideas with drama; write essays when you know the answer.
Key Takeaway
Use playwriting to probe uncertainty.
Themes
creativity
exploration
writing
uncertainty
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- script development
- academic writing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
dramatic structure
knowledge gaps
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- What topics do you avoid because they feel uncertain?
- How can you turn uncertainty into a narrative?
A Different Perspective
If the unknown is too vague, a play may never materialize.
