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Remember how fascinated you were the last time someone
told you a detailed plot of their favorite movie?
Didn’t
think so.
Detailing a movie plot is just one of “Seven Topics to
Avoid if You Don’t Want to Risk Being a Bore” according
to Gretchen Rubin, an author, lawyer, and former law
clerk to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day
O’Connor.
Rubin
is working on a book entitled “The Happiness Project” in
which she spends a year testing theories and tips on how
to be happier. She is also editing a blog entitled
"The Happiness Project" in which she
recently wrote a post on “Seven Topics to Avoid If You
Don't Want to Be a Bore.”
According to Rubin, the seven topics to avoid are:
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A dream.
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The recent changes in your child’s nap schedule.
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The route you took to get here.
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An excellent meal you once had at a restaurant.
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The latest additions to your wine cellar.
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An account of your last golf game.
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The plot of a movie, play, or movie—in particular, the
funny parts.
The
problem with these topics, Rubin notes, is that your
listener usually has nothing to add.
All they can really do is listen politely.
Rubin
adds that these topics could well be fascinating
depending on how well you tell a story or the avowed
interest of your listener. If the person you’re
speaking to is a fellow wine nut, then by all means,
talk about your wine cellar.
But
beware of glazed looks.
At
Speechworks we help our clients learn how to communicate
in a way that connects and persuades. If you’re
interested in becoming a great communicator give us a
call at 404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net. |
