A Voice in the Age of Information Overload

This past week I was summoned to jury duty. About 50 of us were selected for a panel of jurors for a trial. In the first 18 of our group to be interviewed by the judge and attorneys was a potential juror who consistently gave too much information and was way too familiar with those interviewing her. The formal “yes sir” and “no ma’am” were dropped in her answers and she even went so far as to tell a joke at one point.

By the time she was asked a third question, there would be a collective groan from our section of the court, as she began to answer. There seemed to be a consensus… too much information!
And…. don’t waste our time!

I think those of us who were observing were torn between being thoroughly entertained by this situation and feeling a sense of shame for this person who felt the need to “get it all out there” and become friends with the judge, the DA and defending attorney. It was disturbing.

Because it’s impossible for me be in any situation without reflecting on my own actions then going directly to how it relates to my business, I couldn’t help myself…. I needed to figure out if I do this same thing and how does it affect my personal and business life?

Yes. When I’m comfortable, I do tend to become too chatty and not listen enough, (trying to befriend the person I’m talking to, whether or not they care to befriend me).
And yes. We all do this in business, especially when there’s a lot at stake. Well…. maybe 80% of us do. There is, most likely, 20% who are self-controlled enough not to do it.

I kept thinking of a saying that I had heard, “don’t answer a question that’s not been asked”.
‘Hard to do when you’re trying to connect with someone either personally or professionally.

This experience of jury duty reminded me how important it is to remember that little rule. By giving too much information we confuse people about the answer they are looking for. And by trying to be too familiar with someone makes them feel uncomfortable.

Clients are bombarded with information in many different forms. Perhaps it’s wise to be clear about who we are in our business and what sort of relationship we want with our clients. Then proceed in our dealings with quiet confidence, establishing a good foundation of trust.

Another saying comes to mind. “We have two ears and one mouth. Use them proportionately.”

I think in this age of complete information overload, this is more important than ever.