Writing and Speaking

Paul Graham’s essay Writing and Speaking argues that writing and speaking are fundamentally different skills with opposing priorities.

The Primacy of Ideas in Writing

“Having good ideas is most of writing well.” A writer with clear thinking can express themselves plainly and still be perceived as stylistically accomplished.

Ideas Matter Less in Speaking

“Having good ideas is an alarmingly small component of being a good speaker.” Entertainment matters more than substance for speakers.

The Ad-Lib Dilemma

Engaging speakers speak extemporaneously, but this limits thinking time. Speakers “might spend no more time thinking about each sentence than it takes to say it.”

Audience Dynamics

Audiences become collectively less intellectually rigorous than individual readers. They respond to emotional manipulation, making “being a good speaker increasingly a matter of being a good bullshitter.”

Legitimate Speaking Value

Talks excel at motivation and provide intimate access to notable figures—potentially more important than transmitting ideas.

My Takeaway

Choose your medium based on your goal. Write when ideas matter. Speak when motivation and connection matter.

Do you prefer writing or speaking? I’d love to hear at persdre@gmail.com.