--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As you listen to political speech, notice…" description: "\"“As you listen to political speech, notice those occasions when politicians and other leaders use the passive voice to avoid responsibility for problem..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/885/roy-peter-clark-22013_communication_as-you-listen-to-political-speech-notice_820509.jpg" --- # As you listen to political speech, notice those occasions… ![“As you listen to political speech, notice those occasions when politicians and other leaders use the passive voice to avoid responsibility for problems and mistakes.” quote by Roy Peter Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/885/roy-peter-clark-22013_communication_as-you-listen-to-political-speech-notice_820509.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/885/roy-peter-clark-22013_communication_as-you-listen-to-political-speech-notice_820509.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/885/roy-peter-clark-22013_communication_as-you-listen-to-political-speech-notice_820509.jpg) > ““As you listen to political speech, notice those occasions when politicians and other leaders use the passive voice to avoid responsibility for problems and mistakes.”” [Roy Peter Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-peter-clark/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Listeners should notice when leaders use passive voice to dodge accountability in speeches. **In simple terms:** Spot passive voice to see who avoids blame. Key Takeaway Question the responsibility behind statements. Themes communication politics language critical thinking Mood analytical critical instructive Type educational observational When to use this quote - media analysis - public debate - education - leadership training Key Concepts passive construction rhetoric accountability Questions to Reflect On - Why do speakers prefer passive voice? - How does this affect public trust? A Different Perspective Passive voice can be subtle and hard to detect. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Passive voice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passive-voice/) [Political speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political-speech/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) ## Related quotes > [Nobody should listen to me for political advice or on who to vote for. 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