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About this quote

What does it mean?
Effective communication often requires implying meaning indirectly rather than stating it explicitly.
In plain terms
You need to communicate something without using words to say it directly.
What can you take from it?
Implied meaning is often more powerful.

Where it applies

  • art
  • diplomacy
  • interpersonal communication

Putting it to work

  • practice reading between the lines
  • use non-verbal cues

Questions to consider

  • What is left unsaid?
  • How do you signal without words?

Another view

Indirectness can lead to misunderstanding if the signal is unclear.

More from Duke Ellington

  1. There is no art when one does something without intention.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. Jazz is music-Swing is business.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. There is hardly any money interest in art, and music will be there when money is gone.

    Permalink to quote #28

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