"People may or may not say what they mean... but they always say something designed to get what they want"

David Mamet's assertion points to the complex, transactional nature of human communication. Conversation often appears to revolve around factual exchange or mutual understanding, but beneath the surface, every utterance is shaped by desire, motivation, and intention. People might obscure their true feelings, deliberately evade directness, or simply fail to articulate their thoughts accurately, but the central idea remains: every communication is an action crafted to fulfill some need.

Language is rarely neutral. Even the most mundane interactions, pleasantries, small talk, or seemingly casual remarks, are built upon underlying objectives, whether that is to ease tension, establish rapport, assert dominance, or seek approval. The process is often subconscious, reflecting inner hopes, fears, and calculations as much as overt ambition. For instance, someone declining a social invitation might cite a busy schedule, masking the need for solitude or discomfort with the company involved. The stated reason is less significant than the function: to maintain social harmony or protect personal boundaries.

This perspective reframes misunderstandings and conflicts. If every act of speech is an attempt to obtain something, recognition, agreement, safety, control, it becomes easier to empathize with those who seem imprecise or duplicitous. Their words are less about truth or falsehood, more about navigating the complex web of relationships, power structures, and self-preservation.

Mamet suggests that authentic communication involves decoding these motivations, looking beyond literal meanings to the underlying intent. This awareness is especially vital in negotiation, politics, and personal relationships, where overt meaning and covert intention frequently diverge. By acknowledging and examining what people seek to gain by what they say, we sharpen our own perception and foster more honest, effective connection. The challenge is not only to listen to words, but to interpret the wants and needs driving their selection, a skill that deepens understanding and enriches dialogue.