DISQUS

Laura · 3 years ago

Many of us North Americans who live between Canada and Mexico looooooove the sound of our own voices. We can't get enough of ourselves and our keen insights.

And most of us can easily diagnose verbal diarrhea in others: but have a hard time recognizing our own symptoms.

Self-awareness isn't our strongest suit. Sadly, we are more prone to self-aggrandizement.

Perhaps we need a checklist, a self-exam to help us identify some common symptoms that we often ignore. For instance:

1. Do people often tell you that you talk too much?

2. Do people frequently interrupt you or tell you to shut up?

3. When you talk, do people look frozen and glazed? Or do they rub their eyes and grimace?

4. When presenting, do your audience members yawn, check their cell phones for messages...or fall asleep?

5. When you speak, do you sometimes forget that there ARE other people?

If you answered YES to any of the above, you may be suffering from verbal diarrhea.

Please stop talking right away, and seek help from an Australian professional!

(But perhaps I've said too much...)

Lee · 3 years ago

Hi Laura!! No, you NEVER say too much -- in fact you say too little, as I always like reading your insights (subtle hint for more, please!).

As if it is only North Americans who suffer from a lack of self-monitoring behaviour -- there are those who argue that a certain Australian also requires additional 'sensitivity' training...! :-)

Laura · 3 years ago

Thanks for your kind comments, Lee!

Two ears, one mouth -- this means we have to listen twice as much as talk....right?