In her insightful book Reading Like a Writer Francine Prose writes “When we humans speak, we are not merely communicating information but attempting to make an impression and achieve a goal … One mark of bad written dialogue is that it is only one thing, at most, at one.”

In the coming days observe yourself as you go about your daily interactions. When you relate a story to a business associate are you also trying to please or appease, impress or challenge or provoke? Underneath the most innocent of exchanges we might be taking a stand, or trying to hurry someone out the door. Observe the other people you come in contact with and see if you can see their underlying motives. Eavesdrop on conversations when you’re out and about. Jot these observations about yourself and others in your notebook.

~ Lisa Fugard