The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo Courtesy So often we start or steer a conversation with something that interests us.  For example, friends Susan and Jane see each other in the church foyer and have this conversation: "Oh hi, Susan." Jane excuses her way past a few people until she stands by her friend. "Hi, Jane." Susan barely eeks out a smile. Her eyes seems focused on some thought captivating her attention. "Are you planning to attend the ladies' retreat? It's this Saturday, and there'll be loads of chocolate, you know." "I'm not sure. Can I think about it? I'm sorry. I need to go." Susan walks away. Jane had no idea Susan had something bothering her. This is understandable since she didn't know what was happening in Susan's life.  Sometimes the primary thought in our mind blocks the ability to consider the cues revealing a need given by a person we know.  Consider the need : A mother learns the different cries of her baby...

One of the most recent lessons I've grasped in my writing career is the importance of knowing my audience. What I didn't realize was the importance of connecting this very topic to all walks of life. Even Jesus knew to mold His words to fit the abilities and other aspects of his listeners and thereby showed His consideration to those He spoke with.  How can we better consider others? Let's talk about it. Photo Courtesy Tailor our vocabulary : We pretty much all know to use age appropriate vocabulary when speaking with individuals. There are other things to consider as well.  For example: My hubby is a medical person. I have clearly communicated my disinterest in the grossies of his job. He also needs to define terms for me when talking about his day.  Then again, when my techy teen speaks in acronyms, text speak, flips through computer screens while "teaching" me, etc. we have a communication issue. I want to learn, listen, fo...