Verbal Bunders: Did You Really Say That?
By Kathe Skinner. Posted on .
2. Stop Assuming: Unless your crystal-ball is in good working order, acknowledge you don't know everything. Take in what your environment is really about; those who assume don't. The result includes finishing other people's sentences, interrupting with comments that go in the wrong direction, misinterpreting what's really being said. Women pull out their crystal balls when they complain that their partners don’t talk to them, or even listen in the first place. The assumption that a partner’s thoughts, and especially feelings, are being purposely withheld. The result can lead to a rift between partners that is about far more than what the topic of conversation was. Want a clue? Look for a surprised or confused look from the speaker.
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3. When in Doubt: People are generally uncomfortable with dead air. If you doubt that's true, pay attention to your comfort level when the radio or t.v. looses sound. In fact, there is no rule that says that air must be filled with someone always saying something. For some of us the tendency to chatter takes hold, resulting in poor or unconsidered statements. When in doubt, zip it.
4. Apologize Sincerely: There are times when everything you've done has turned out wrong. Your enthusiasm leads to interruptions, identiffying so much with the speakier's topic you take over. Other times your disinterest may show. Or you fail to edit yourself: what comes up, comes out. There are so many examples, I'm sure everyone can think of a cringe-worthy moment, Whether or not you're responsible, tune immediately into the speaker. Be truly sincere when you say how sorry you are you've caused confusion or distress. People generally react warmly to someone who really cares how they feel. Don't make it long and drawn out and be light-hearted if you can. Whatever you do, don't put blame out there somewhere. Accept responsibility and be sincere about it.
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5. Be Yourself: I'm an inveterate talker because I'm so curious. I know, too, that when I get nervous I talk too much. Two thousand feet down in the Molly Kathleen gold mine, you couldn't shut me up; the tour guide finally stopped acknowledging me at all and my husband pretended like he didn't know me. When I tuned in to their non-verbal responses to me, I knew to be quiet.
I don’t think I’m the only one whose engagement with others doesn’t always work out. There are unspoken rules about physical proximity, “getting in someone’s space”, and there are verbal rules, too. Like how you talk, what you say, the purpose of saying something at all.
Truth is, sometimes goofs happen. Part of what makes us endearing is having flaws and being vulnerable because of them. Pay attention to your basic communication skills; you'll benefit from not crossing the line into mean, and your oopses will be quickly forgiven.
