I have a very bad habit. I tend to preface a lot of my statements with the phrase: “You’re not going to believe this, but,” even though I have been admonished many times not to do so.
After all, if I don’t think that the listener is going to believe me I am either challenging my own veracity or indicating that I doubt their ability to comprehend what I am saying. Either way it doesn’t add to or embellish the message that I am attempting to deliver.
Another commonly misused inquiry is: “Do you have a minute?” We all know that the conversation that is about to ensue will be much longer than a minute. As a matter of fact, these dialogs typically only end with something like: "I have an appointment that I need to get to!”
Last but not least, is the question “What do you know about ______________?” This is not a scientific study about your level of genius, but is going to result in a plea for assistance on some problem that has already progressed beyond the event horizon of recovery. You’d better check your watch and your calendar before you answer that question.
And now, “you’re not going to believe this , but if you have a minute I need to ask what do you know about,,,,”
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Good morning Richard,
I do know people who use these phrases! A good answer is "I'm just leaving to show property!" I love the photo..you take the best shots!!!
Richard,
Some habits are hard to break! I have one friend who says, "Let me tell you the truth". We are great friends, I assume she is always telling me the truth, but it's one of her phrases.
Now, sadly I am probably in denial about my phrases, or just don't have a good feel for what they are. I did hear a recent audio blog I did played back and way too many ummmmm's and I did know what I was talking about!
All the best, Michelle
The truth hurts...
I have answered the "What do you know about_____" question with "What is it you need to know about_____" and been sorry I didn't stand back!
BTW the icy flower picture is stunning!
Oh how our habits betray us. Thanks for the reminder on your judged on what you say Richard.
Whenever I say, "Whenever you have a minute....." Everyone knows it's a serious conversation we'll be having.....usually, they drop what they're doing and we discuss MY topic.
Richard, You're not going to believe this but I find myself using that and other attention getters! Why? because they work! And after all isn't that what you are after...their attention?
The only people that will criticize are those that hear it everyday (maybe more than once) so maybe you could change it up a little and say "I know something you should know!" That works as well!
Great Pic!
Richard, old habits are hard to break. I've know people who if you ask them for the time, they will build you a watch. Nice Photo!
"Do you have a minute?" NEVER takes a minute!
Another one that I love is, "Can I just ask you a quick question?" Yes. Of course you can. Will it only require a quick answer?!!!
I am reminded of the phrases that I say all too often when I hear them coming out of my three year old. Nothing like "How about we make a deal Mummy?"
"Trust me" is right up there ...
Richard this reminds me of an Uncle I used to work for. He would always ask, "Charlie, would you mind helping me with this?" It was NEVER a question however:)
I misuse those phrases on a daily basis and I doubt that I will stop anytime soon. You just can't help it, they roll right off the tongue.
For some of us, eliminating these phrases would severely limit our professional "patter". These phrases are like "old friends" to every professional salesperson.
Richard: Beautiful photo. I use, "Do you have a minute?" a lot. The others, not so much. I should really try to break the habit.
Richard...I am semi famous for say "has it ever occurred to you"...followed by a question that most people haven't spent anytime thinking of.
Richard I'd like to respond with a well thought out statement, however your minute is up...
I will have to watch those three phrases. I certainly don't want to trap someone into thinking I am going to spend a minute with them and and up taking up half their day :)
Richard - Another beautiful photograph with another interesting post. I know that I have statements that I say that are probably annoying to folks...do you have a minute and I'll tell ya a few.
Hi Richard, I have a minute for you, if you have a minute for me . . .
Ypu are right, I don't believe it, I don't have a minute and I don't know Jack about anything.
Keeps me out of trouble!
I'm guilty of saying some of these types of phrases too. PS - I LOVE the photo. Your photos are amazing. I really love the simplicity of this one. I'm a fan of your work!!
Striking picture, Richard. The one that gets me is when someone prefaces their statement with the words,"I will be honest with you or to tell you the truth," What, were you going to lie to me?
Love the photo Richard! And my favorite, "know what I mean" after every single sentence. Nope, I have no idea what you mean, lol.
Very nicely written Richard, and very true. Also gave me a nice smile this morning.
Richard,
Each one of the three questions could lead to a very long conversation.
Very funny ending. I also love the photo.
'Let me make a long story short" never happens either Richard!! Fantastic picture!
I have one even better what about Who Dat say they going to beat those Saints.