0
Twoply

Getting pinned down, and not in a good way

Recommended Posts

Alright, you and another are engaged in conversation. Be it in a bar, a train ride or even a Christmas party. The dialog steers itself to a topic in which you feel you have a good understanding and/or point to make. The point you’re trying to make is very important in your mind to get across. Does this person you’re addressing start to break eye contact, maybe nod their head repeatedly? Does this person say “uh huh” a lot? Does the person start to adjust their body position or fidget? Does the person turn their back to you in the middle of the conversation? Do they pull out a magazine and start flipping the pages? Pause from talking now. Does the person you’re addressing interject a comment? Do they ask for elaboration? Be aware, your audience might not be interested in what you’re talking about and you might be a talker.

Recently I was pinned down by a guy who wouldn’t let up. We were having a discussion about whatever and he started to over elaborate on a belief he has. I understood his thoughts the first time he explained it and even told him that. He kept going on and on about how correct his way of thinking is. I told him I understood still and there was no further need to elaborate. He continued anyways and then splintered off that topic to go on about something else that was very important to him. He splintered off again to expand on a story that HE brought up. He hammered his point home over and over until I just was there was no end to this in sight. I had no interest in this new topic or where it was leading, but I was polite. I really didn’t disagree with his belief, it’s the repetition that wears on me. It was neither the time nor place to pull the blue collar “Shut the f*** up” maneuver, and I was always told that “Tact is making a point without making an enemy.” I had enough of this one sided conversation and had to flat out interrupt him while he was talking to excuse myself. He looked startled. I know for a fact that I gave what I thought were obvious clues. I waved at other people I knew, looked at my phone, and kept looking into my empty beer bottle. I guess what is obvious to me isn’t to others. I really try to be aware if someone is interested.

I ask you, please be observant of the people you are around. If you see that you are the only one talking for a period of time, pause and see if anyone around you adds to what you’re talking about. I question if this post will really make anyone aware of an audience’s body language. Some babbelers might read this and say “Not me.”

I might have not worked my ass off all week to listen to you talk on my time off. And stop moving your lips when I’M talking!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
some people have to validate and justify thier own opinions and beliefs for some reason, me personally i could care less what people think about my thoughts. what ever i can;t honestly say what i would have done in that situation as i am equally adept in being tactful and telling people off.
Fly it like you stole it

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

0