If you’ve never seen the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, you’ve missed one of my favorite comedies. The memorable character Dr. Evil says “Let me tell you a little story about a man named Sh! I’ve got a bag full of Sh for you!”
While Dr. Evil may not be delivering the message I’m trying to, there is a lot in his comment. Not talking and listening can really offer you a different perspective on a situation. Many ADD’ers have that impulsive nature and will interrupt before someone is done speaking. Imagine what the outcome of a person’s statement is half way through it, versus at the end of it? Likely completely different. Being aware of this is a very important element of communicating effectively, especially with ADD/ADHD.
I use a little trick sometimes, where I literally bite my tongue. Seriously, I actually place it between my back teeth until the person I am listening to is done speaking. It’s very effective and it starts to work on that skill of listening, before someone has to open up a bag of sh on me!
