Comments on: Bouncing back

By: Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:18:19 +0000

The problem with everyone talking about being “mindful” Shrink, is that it has a very specific and useful meaning, which it’s very easy not to get. Oh well.

“Going Forward” is a particular bete noir of Lucy Kelloway of the FT, Teuchter. She’s written a wincingly hilarious book called “Martin Lucas: Who Moved My Blackberry” taking gleeful pot-shots at that sort of language.

Kelli, you’re probably bang on the money with those comments, and I’m annoyed with myself for not thinking that for myself.

Thanks all for reading and commenting.

Aphra.

By: kelli

kelli — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:17:10 +0000

I think this has to do with how empathetic the person that you are talking to is. I knew a girl once whose entire accent would subtly change to match whoever whe talked to. I find myself matching the rhythms and cadences of the other person’s speech.

I also think it has to do with dominance and confidence – the less dominant party in the conversation will automatically start mirroring the more dominant person which will include using the same words.

Interesting to watch it happening in biggish groups, and fun to try to predict who will be the copiers and who will be the leaders.

(sorry for not being around much lately – this has had the side effect that I’ve got lots of good stuff to catch up on)

By: Teuchter

Teuchter — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:32:59 +0000

“Going forward” seems to be prevalent. Everyone interviewed on R4 uses it at least once.

* shudder

By: The Shrink

The Shrink — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:11:26 +0000

This week for me it’s been “mindful.” Everyone seems to be saying it to someone who then copies this and bounces it back in conversation to someone else.

Nobody’s “aware” any more, is seems we’re all “mindful” now!