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#314: Beforewards is the Magic Tense That Shows You What to Say to People
September 22, 2020 — Communication is frustrating because it requires so much context. Or does it? Feeling the need to add context might mean you’re not giving people what they asked for.
It’s hard to know what to say to people.
Especially online.
Afterwards, it’s obvious whether you said the right thing. But afterwards is not helpful.
It’s like we need a fourth tense…
1. Before
2. During
3. Afterwards
4. BEFOREWARDS
Beforewards is the moment right before you open your mouth (or hit send) when you can glimpse into the future and see the consequences of what you’re about to say.
It won’t show you what the other person is THINKING, but it will show you what they’re ASKING.
And this is all that matters.
Because the human brain is only receptive to ideas that it asks for.
When in doubt, SAY LESS — and keep saying less until you are no longer in doubt.
