When they saw me in my space suit and the parachute dragging alongside as I walked, they started to back away in fear. I told them, don't be afraid, I am a Soviet like you, who has descended from space and I must find a telephone to call Moscow! [2]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He reassures frightened onlookers that he is just a fellow Soviet, needing only a phone to call Moscow.
- In plain terms
- He told them not to fear, he’s a Soviet like them.
- What can you take from it?
- Calm fear with familiar identity and clear purpose.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does shared nationality reduce fear?
- When is clarity more important than authority?
Another view
May not work if the audience distrusts the speaker’s affiliation.
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