As I achieve more grey hair I find there are fewer things that irritate, really irritate. One is to have someone finish my sentence before I can get there. I get the message I’m just not capable of thinking or talking fast enough for them. That one is right up there with those youngsters who talk so fast I catch the first and last word. Everything in between is gibberish to me. I’ve been known to interrupt them and tell them they will have to speak slower, I’m not capable of thinking that fast. That usually solicits a stunned look. Another irritation is the word “cool” which usually comes out of the same mouth talking so fast. I have yet to figure out what “cool” is when used in the manner they use the word. Is it a good thing or a pretty thing? Is it unique or common? I’ve come to the conclusion from the way it’s used that many who use the expression use it due to a lack of vocabulary more than its application to a specific meaning.
The grandest of all irritations is the overuse of the term “you know”. Folks seem to be programmed to use the expression every time they exhale. “I was walking down the street,” take a breath and start to exhale, “you know when this dog ran up and bit me.” I have always wanted to interrupt them and say, “No, I don’t know, that’s why I’m talking with you; explain it to me.” But then, if I did, they wouldn’t understand— you know!
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Dogie Jones
About Me
I am an avid competitor in Cowboy Action Shooting. I am twice retired, first from law enforcement and second from the pastoral ministry. I completed my education when I was in my 50's, earning a doctorate in Biblical Studies along the way. I turned from "preachin" to being a "teller of cowboy stories". When asked why storytelling in place of preaching, I usually reply, "It took a bunch of cowboys to make an old preacher with a cop's attitude feel at home". Prissy (my wife) and I travel and participate in cowboy events as often as being absent from the grandchildren will allow. Sometimes my speaking schedule fills up both at cowboy events and regular church services. Missions and outreach ministers find the ministry of cowboypreacher.com particularly interesting.
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1 comment:
Hi Dogie!
Just a note about "You know...".
A bit of background. I learned about the nuance of speaking from my Dad. He was a career Flight Instructor and also taught Ground School at a Cal State College in Northern California. He passed unto the Lord in 1969. As a young kid I was "recruited" to act as the "Keeper of the Teaching Aids". As a result, I worked through many of Dad's classes. He was adamnant about using language correctly. Outside the classroom he was the funniest man I ever knew and could conquer a group of people with his "Big Windies".
I could only use the current slang out of his ear shot (I'm a 60's kid). Words like Cool, and Far-out, Righteous, Bitchin', and the like were scorned. I used to think that he was just being stodgy and contrary.
I was 16 when he was killed in a plane crash. I still recall vividly the conversations we'd have while flying somewhere. Hours of discussions about the most incongruous things! I cherish them still.
It suprised even me that in 1983, I became a teacher myself, earning a Private Post-Secondary credential. I quickly learned that other instructors who used "street" speech to teach often lost the respect of their students. Even the most jaded student realizes that, at a fundamental level, Teachers subliminally teach by example. I personally found that using Dad's technique of speaking to students resulted in attracting and holding their attention. He once told me these few guiding rules:
1. KISS (you know about that one)
2. Know what you want to say
before you say it.
3. Control the lesson. The
classroom is NOT a Democracy.
4. Words have meanings, use them
correctly and concisely.
Dad was highly regarded by his students and they often stayed in touch with him long after they had graduated.
People speak and act as they were taught. Actually, more precisely, people speak and act as they do because they have been taught to believe they can get away with it.
I have long since given up gently correcting people and just try to catch their meaning amongst the slang. When I reply, I do so as I was "taught" and hope my example sinks in just a little bit. Sort of trying to change the world, one converstaion at a time.
Maginnis Magee
SASS 5187
ps: I saw you ad in the Cowboy Chronicle. You have an excellent forum to do God's work. I hope someday to hear you speak.
MM
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