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I think the written word is probably the best medium of communication because you have time to reflect, you have time to choose your words, to get your sentences exactly right. Whereas when you're being interviewed, say, you have to talk on the fly, you have to improvise, you can change sentences around, and they're not exactly right.
Richard Dawkins
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Written communication allows for careful reflection and precision in word choice, unlike spontaneous speaking.

In this quote, Richard Dawkins emphasizes the advantages of written communication over verbal spontaneity. He suggests that the written word facilitates a thoughtful process where one can carefully select vocabulary and construct sentences with precision, leading to clearer and more accurate expression compared to the often imperfect nature of impromptu speaking during interviews or discussions.

Themes

CommunicationWritingReflectionPrecisionLanguage

In practice

Example use cases

In a writing workshop to highlight the importance of drafting and editing.

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