'Don't write anything you can phone. Don't phone anything you can talk. Don't talk anything you can whisper. Don't whisper anything you can smile. Don't smile anything you can nod. Don't nod anything you can wink.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote lists a hierarchy of communication, urging to use the simplest medium possible for each message.
- In plain terms
- Use the most direct way to convey a message, from writing to a smile.
- What can you take from it?
- Match the communication method to the message’s simplicity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is a simple medium insufficient?
- How does context affect the choice of channel?
Another view
Sometimes nuanced messages need richer media despite simplicity.
More from Earl Long
'I can make them voting machines sing Home Sweet Home.'
Permalink to quote #2 'If you're with me in the first primary, you get jobs. If you're with me in the second primary, you get good government.'
Permalink to quote #3 'Someday Louisiana is going to get good government. And they ain't gonna like it.'
Permalink to quote #4
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