JConnelly Insights
The Quotable Genius of Muhammad Ali
He’s been called the most charismatic and controversial sports figure of the 20th century. And with his death, the words and actions of Muhammad Ali continue to capture the attention of a global audience.
As Robert Lipsyte wrote in The New York Times obituary, “He entertained as much with his mouth as with his fists, narrating his life with a patter of inventive doggerel.”
The Louisville Lip’s taunts and musings recall the humor and imagery of Mark Twain and hint at the braggadocio of modern hip hop. That alone would be enough to make Ali a communications icon. But that he lived a life of worldwide celebrity for 50 years, able to reinvent his image to stay in line with his personal and professional maturation—well, that’s no small feat in any industry or age.
Here are some of his most memorable phrases and the lessons they hold for communicators and aspiring icons:
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Clearly one of Ali’s most-repeated phrases, this description of his fighting style is actually part of a longer taunt/poem:
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.
Now you see me, now you don’t.
George thinks he will, but I know he won’t.”
Shakespeare knew what he was doing when he wrote, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Good editing makes writing more memorable. Leave what works and cut the rest.
The butterflies and bees analogies are also perfect examples of making a message concrete, painting a mental picture for the reader or listener that helps messages “stick” in their minds.
Read our blog 4 Tips to Sharpen Your Corporate Narrative for more ways to improve your brand messaging.
“Braggin’ is when a person says something and can’t do it. I do what I say.”
And closely related, “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.”
We live in an age of ideas. There’s pressure to be the first to market, the most innovative solution, and a game-changing company. But you have to walk the walk if you want to talk the talk.
If Ali wasn’t the greatest heavyweight boxer, he’d just be an annoying loudmouth.
In a previous blog, Ray Hennessey explains how to leave your ego out of your thought leadership: Why Your Thought Leadership isn’t Grabbing Your Audience.
“A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
People and organizations evolve, and their communications must do the same. The trick is in finding the sweet spot between throwing away brand assets prematurely and letting them stagnate.
Ali stayed true to a changing vision of who he was and what legacy he wanted to leave. Even when it was unpopular, he followed his own path. While it might not always be easy, it’s an important lesson for companies and individuals who want to make real impact.
Communicating your values helps to enhance relationships in life and business. Read our blog for more insight: Communicating Your Values has Never Been More Important.
“I am the astronaut of boxing. Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots. I’m in a world of my own.”
Lots of companies talk about not having competitors. Very few are category creators.
Ali was unique both in how he fought and how he presented himself. He was outspoken when others were referential, then largely quiet during our selfie-obsessed age. He was truly an original. It’s what generated so much of the attention around him and what made him unforgettable and what will remain now that he’s gone.
Differentiating your brand is important for standing out in a crowded marketplace. Read our blog for advice that is important across industries: How to Use PR to Differentiate Your Financial Firm.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
“I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world,” Ali said.
He was known for his generosity and passion almost as much as his fighting ability. He donated his time and money to gender, economic and racial equality.
His work wasn’t about a photo opp or selling a product, but a true calling to leave the world a little better than he found it. Companies too must think beyond their own profit and loss to inspire customers. But it has to be authentic and about a real mission, not just pandering to draw attention.
Read our blog to learn more about the best ways to generate attention for your company’s CSR program: 3 Tips for Using PR to Communicate Your CSR Program.
Are you feeling inspired? Download our free ebook for the steps you should take for a successful rebrand:
