Effective Conversational Practice LO8741

Robert Bacal (dbt359@freenet.mb.ca)
Tue, 30 Jul 1996 10:07:20 +0000

Replying to LO8727 --

I don't know if I have seent the messages Richard mentioned, and I suspect
there is enough to discuss in Richard's questions to keep us going for a
long time. So, just one comment for now.

On 29 Jul 96 at 15:20, Richard Karash wrote:

> >The elements are:
> > - When x occurs (where x is a sensory report)
> > - I think y (which is my interpretation)
> > - When I think y, I feel z (which is a report on my reaction to

This is a commonly taught component of assertive behaviour.
Unfortunately, what is almost never taught is the limiting circumstances
of this particular conversational tactic. First, it is largely ineffective
with people with whom you do not have a relationship, or have no tie or
concern about you personally. It is also generally not effective with
people who are very angry. Third, the structure of the set of statements
is not quite in the form of how real people speak...hence the risk that
some people will perceive it as manipulative or "social worky".

It's a good technique, but like everything it has limitations.

> > my interpretation)
> > - And then I do (or want to do) v in response.

(oops, sorry, cut that last bit off). Above are my own opinions on the
issue...sorry short of time and violating my own communication rules
<grin>

Robert Bacal, CEO, Institute For Cooperative Communication
dbt359@freenet.mb.ca, Located in Winnipeg,Canada.
*For articles on management, change, training,communication, etc,
visit our home page at: http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca~dbt359

-- 

"Robert Bacal" <dbt359@freenet.mb.ca>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>