Be Prepared Part Three

It never ends, does it? You thought we were done discussing preparedness with "Part Two”. Nope! You guessed wrong. Seriously, just some final thoughts I had:

1) Make sure you have examples. If you are trying to explain why you believe something, make sure there are at least a couple scenarios which clearly portray the point you are making. Sometimes through a story the point is understood better than just explaining.

2) Measure the appropriateness of the situation. This could be measured in several areas:

• Do you have the type of relationship with the other person to withstand a healthy debate? Sometimes you may be asked a question (or a situation arises where you have the opportunity to express your beliefs) but your relationship with that individual is not strong enough for the outcome. Feelings would get hurt, maybe beyond repair. Misunderstandings would occur that would take a long time to clear up. Be able to discern when and how much you need to share.
• Is the environment you are in appropriate for discussion? Are there distractions? Is there enough time? Are there other people around that may not need to be privy to your conversation? Are you on the phone or email and the question would be best be answered in person?
• Is the question appropriate? We all know those individuals who like to prick a debate. Just for the sake of debating. They don’t care about the outcome or what you have to say, they just like the fight. Seriously, do not waste your time trying to talk to someone who thinks they already have the answers and you don’t. Or perhaps they are asking the wrong question. Know what is the real question and what question they ask to distract from the “heart issue”.

3) Know that it is really okay to say, “I don’t know.” This can be so freeing. For you and for your listener. To let them know in honesty that you don’t have all the answers not only makes you seem more approachable, it makes your belief system seem more attainable and real. Talking to someone who has the answer to EVERYTHING gets annoying. And at times it may appear as if they are making up answers to fit the situation. We all can smell a fake. We know when someone is just full of bologna. Your honesty in not having all the answers may be the best answer you can give.

Well, I think this time I really am done on the topic of being prepared. Any thoughts? Anything you want to share? Do you agree or disagree with me? Have I missed the mark somewhere? Let me know. I’m not afraid of feedback and enjoy knowing what you think.