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About this quote

What does it mean?
Attempts to please everyone can result in appealing to no one effectively.
In plain terms
Trying to say something for everyone might mean saying nothing meaningful.
What can you take from it?
Specificity beats universality in communication.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • marketing
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • target specific audiences
  • avoid vague messaging

Questions to consider

  • Who is your message for?
  • Does everyone matter?

Another view

Broad messages can still have wide reach in some contexts.

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