The Day of Discourse

I’m here to talk about discourse.

No, I’m not talking about witty zingers to Uncle Jerry’s lame one-sided political memes. Although I have complete faith in your ability to roast him, of course.

I’m talking about real discourse.

Actually, I’m here to talk about the “listening” part of discourse. Reflective Listening, that is.

It’s time to turn off our reaction reflex.

I know, I know. When we feel like we’re being attacked, we want to snap right back with our witty retorts and our zingers. 

But maybe a new perspective isn’t an attack. Maybe it’s just… new information?

Let’s say I’m on a road trip, to a place I had never been before (or just vaguely familiar with). If my GPS application told me “some traffic and driving information has changed, would you like to update your GPS?”   

Hell to the yeah, I would. Traffic messes are just not my jam (see what I did there?) 

That’s all listening is. It’s your opportunity to pause and reevaluate before you respond.

Listen without formulating your response in your head.

How many times have we done it? Our co-worker, client, spouse, in-laws, or our teenager starts in on something, and in our heads we are already thinking “Yes, but…”

This happened to me just the other day with my teenage daughter. It was a difficult and emotional conversation, but one that needed to be had. I knew I had two choices: we could react in the heat of the situation (because that had gone oh-so-well in the past) or we could listen, and then take a breath.

There’s power in the pause.  

When it comes to your messaging, firing out off-the-cuff remarks or reactionary content (especially in turbulent times) can get you in hot water. Just like conversations with your teenager!

Remember, you’ll have your chance to respond. But there is a space for listening first.  

Pause. Listen. Formulate. Respond.

I bring this 411 on discourse to you primarily as a reminder for your messaging. But really, this can be used everywhere in life. Business, marriage, politics, parenting. Dare I even say...social media? 

As much as your Uncle Jerry may deserve it, the real discourse is in the listening. We need more listening - to our clients, our community, and the world.

Not sure how to respond to current events? I got your back.

Now more than ever, we need to pause and make sure that our content is thoughtful and relatable...not reactionary or tone-deaf. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.

Content Reviews: they’re not just for typos anymore.

Book a Second Set of Eyes Content Review with me to make absolutely sure that your message is concise and uses just the right tone for your audience. 

Whether it’s website copy or developing your social media message and content, I'll make sure your business message aligns with your brand and remains true to form and function.

Contact me via my website, www.judi411.com, and schedule a 30-minute consult to discuss your content review.