Question

When concluding his speech, Martin says, “And so, I want to encourage each of you to donate the $500 it will take to build a well. If we each donate $500, we will be able to build dozens of wells!”

What is the problem with Martin’s request? What would be a more appropriate conclusion?

Answer 1

The problem is a quantification/consistency error. If one well costs $500, then every $500 donated builds one well. Saying “If we each donate $500, we will be able to build dozens of wells” contradicts that: either each $500 builds one well (so the number of wells equals the number of donors), or you mean a different per-person amount or a collective total. In short, Martin is equivocating on “each” vs. “together” (and using the vague “dozens” instead of a definite target).

Better conclusions (pick the one matching his intent):

- If he means one well per $500 donor:
“Please donate $500 if you can. Each $500 funds one well, so if 40 people give $500 we will build 40 wells.”

- If he means a small per-person gift that pooled will fund many wells:
“A well costs $500. If everyone gives $25, each 20 donors will fund one well; for example, if 200 people give $25 we can build 20 wells.”

- If he wants a collective target:
“Our goal is $12,000 to build 24 wells. Please give whatever you can—$25, $50, $100—so together we reach $12,000 and build 24 wells.”

Also: avoid vague terms like “dozens” and state the audience size or a specific fundraising target so supporters know exactly what their gift will accomplish.