Mike Myers as Dr Evil
I have many faults as a communicator, particularly in personal conversations.
I overload my listener, I interrupt when I'm not careful, and I tend to barrel ahead with my own points. But those are only three of my worst traits. I do work every day to change these habits, and to become the listener I want to be. But awareness is the first step.
I was talking to a friend once as we listened to a public radio station and had realized I needed to shut up and listen to her when the announcer broke in and said, "For a written transcript of this broadcast..." and I realized that would be a good way to keep track of my verbal belligerence.
Imagine the transcript.
If I've been going on for paragraphs and the person who's company I'm lucky enough to share has had no blank space, I do a quick assessment and sound the Shut Up alarm.
Conversation isn't score-keeping. But for a verbal monster like me, a safety measure is necessary.
If the transcript is all me, it's time to zip it.
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