Random Ramblings

Action Inquiry
by Bill Torbert listed these four essential parts of speech in forming a discussion.

1. Framing - stating the purpose for the present discussion, what dilemma is to be resolved, what assumptions are shared or not shared.
2. Advocating - asserting an option, perception, feeling or strategy for action
3. Illustrating - telling a bit of a story that puts the meat on the bones of the advocacy
4. Inquiring - questioning others to learn something from them."

Framing and advocating are the areas I am weak on. I do question others alot and I do try to illustrate my points. Sometimes my mind will be racing with an illustration or response instead of listening to what other is really saying.

Furthermore, this notion is covered by William Howell's Empathic Communicator. He suggests we all practice what he termed "internal monologue".

By "internal monologue" he means the internal or "covert" salf-talk that's often going on. The central point is that your "covert" communicating is always affecting your "overt" communicating, and that these effects can be damaging unless you learn to manage your internal monologue. It represents unnecessary scripting that reduces communcation effectiveness.

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