Pull “Interesting” Out Of Your Everyday Vocabulary And Improve Your Emotional Intelligence
You get into a conversation with co-workers in the office and talk about how hard it was trying to fit the small budget into a critical project. Somebody says, “That’s interesting.” and stops right there, not explaining why he finds the subject interesting. Somebody else comments that the project allotment being small may have had to do with the new finance guy who had no clue of the team’s real needs. Again, somebody comes up with “I find that interesting.”
What The Heck, Does “INTERESTING” Mean?
“I thought the convention was rather interesting.” … “I’m interested in reading that new book on China.”
When used in conversations, “interesting” comes across as something you say when you don’t want to say anything, but feel you have to, for fear of being perceived as unsociable or indifferent. Sometimes you tend to use “interesting” when you don’t know how to express your thoughts verbally, or when you simply don’t want to entertain your true feelings deep inside.
In other words when you use “interesting” in formal or informal talks and not expound on why you find such subject or item interesting … it means nothing! So, doesn’t it make sense to delete the word from your vocabulary? Go for honesty instead. It’s a whole lot more productive because it’ll show you listened to somebody and took the time to think through what was said so you can give a sensible, useful response or comment. It’s when you do this that you get more in tune with your emotions that should lead to more productive, relevant interactions. In the process you just might learn more about yourself and other people around you. You shall have then raised the level of your emotional intelligence.
Does This Mean You Can’t Use “Interesting” In Future Interactions?
Of course you can! But use it for the right reasons and within the correct context. In most cases “interesting” doesn’t contribute anything to a conversation. In fact, it would appear that the person who says it, doesn’t want to get involved in whatever is being talked about. It’s a cop-out, nothing abrasive .. nothing encouraging and nothing too profound either. It’s just a neutral cop-out.
“Interesting” very rarely means that a person or a thing or a situation is exactly and truly interesting. So the next time the word crops up in your head and you inadvertently use it, be conscious. Break down what you mean by it. Does it mean it’s something new to you or something that never entered your mind? Do you believe it’s a good idea but today may not be the right time? Do you sincerely think it’s a terrific concept but not everybody will buy into it? Then, express these things! Process your thoughts. Try to figure out what’s really in your mind before saying it out loud. You’d be amazed at how many better, more appropriate and honest words and phrases are available out there. Find them and improve your EQ.
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