L2 | Can you protest too much? | 003

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

Hamlet (III, ii, 239)

My recent non-fiction reading has highlighted a trend for replacing negatives with positives. This change in practice is recommended across thought, word and deed.

My ear, and eye for that matter, has now become quite attuned to this way of thinking.

I try to stop myself from saying "I don't want to offend", or "I don't wish to criticise you but ...". When I have met with colleagues I have heard statements like this, generally they are said just before someone launches into a personal attack, or at least a verbal side swipe.

It would seem to be perceived wisdom that we tune out the don't and instead you hear "I want to offend you ...".

A colleague recently suggested I change "Don't Panic" to "Stay Calm" on a written piece. The change in the printed word, asking for calmness, actually asked the reader to do what we wanted them to, rather than them not seeing the word "don't" and evoking a sense of panic. On reflection I see this change as a good one. I will look out for more opportunities to make similar changes.

During a meeting this week I was told by a colleague "I haven't called this meeting to discuss only this item". We then proceeded to spend a large proportion of the time available discussing that same issue. I picked up on this straight away.

My reaction, in thought, to the statement was that the meeting had indeed been called to discuss this one issue. Following the meeting, my action was to follow up with e-mails and bundle of papers to colleagues.

Actions

1. reflect on the level of resources I used on responding to the meeting action. Was the level of response appropriate?
2. find the missing 5th theme - still on the missing list
3. complete registration for Y2