QuoteProject
Don't raise your voice, improve your argument." _x000D_ _x000D_ [Address at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa, 23 November 2004]
Desmond Tutu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Effective communication relies on the strength of your ideas rather than loudness.

This quote emphasizes the importance of forming sound arguments and reasoning instead of resorting to shouting or aggressive behavior to make one's point. It suggests that rational discourse and thoughtful discussion hold more power in persuading others than merely raising one's voice.

Themes

CommunicationArgumentsDiscussionPersuasionWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate, use this quote to encourage peers to focus on logical reasoning rather than raising their voices.

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Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
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