"I can understand how you got there, and I see things a bit differently."
I heard this response during a radio interview recently. The interviewer asked a question and then, as often happens, began suggesting possible answers within the question itself. I always wonder why interviewers don't simply ask the question and then go quiet. Let the expert answer!
In this interview, the guest responded, "I can understand how you got there, and I see things a bit differently." Not only does the questioner take up valuable airtime ("We only have 30 seconds left..."), but most experts don't need a prompt or extra time to think. Is this really about helping the audience understand, or is it more about the host?
It also made me think about our day-to-day conversations.
How often do we ask a question and then keep talking? We add commentary, provide context, and offer multiple-choice answers before the other person has a chance to respond.
In doing so, we may think we're adding to the conversation when we're actually subtracting from it.
Ask the question.
Then go quiet.
See what happens.
Any of you out there understand how I got there, but see things a bit differently?