Look

Words are powerful.

The word look is used quite often to refocus a conversation. It must be a technique taught by Toastmasters or Carnegie or some authority on communication.

For example, politicians use it quite often to avoid questions.

Inteviewer: Who is responsible for this problem?
Politician: Look. We understand this is a problem and we are doing the best we can to solve it.

That’s dandy, but it doesn’t answer the question.

This technique can be used for good too. Everyone has sat in a meeting that has meandered. No one is sure what the point of the meeting is anymore and what needs to be resolved before the meeting can end. This technique is good for refocusing the meeting without assigning blame.

So next time you hear the word look, ask yourself if the speaker is changing the topic. Most importantly, ask yourself why the speaker is changing the topic.

Anyone have an idea where this technique is taught? (Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?)