Are you entertained or annoyed when people can't say what they mean?

1. 66

   rutleyposted 12 years ago

   Are you entertained or annoyed when people can't say what they mean?
   
   Example: Lady wants to buy detergent for new washing machine. Salesman asks what kind of machine is it?  She says, "it's a front end loader". I would have told her to buy some diesel fuel for that!

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2. 68

   Amy Bechererposted 12 years ago

   Whether I would be entertained or annoyed would depend on the demeanor of the person speaking.  For example, I am verbally astute, but not technically savvy.  If I have a question regarding electronics, I will describe the problem in unsophisticated terms, by a tech's standards.  I present my case admitting that I lack the technical terminology and am often treated with a certain degree of kind amusement and patience.  I always walk away having learned something, and feeling better for knowing. If I was belligerant/argumentive in my ignorance, I am certain I would be treated with less respect.  I always treat those that are sincere with patience and respect, regardless of their ability to say what they mean.  I believe most people show a charitable attitude if they are approached in a sincere way. 
   
   However, I have noticed some "customer service" employees that are less than kind when dealing with the elderly.  Now, for me personally, that's annoying!  I do not find it amusing when I witness an intolerant attitude in communicating with anyone having difficulty, for any reason, making themselves understood. It is not funny to the person struggling.  It is demeaning and frustrating.
   
   My 85-year old mother, who had bypass heart surgery a year old that resulted in some dementia, has great difficulty being straightforward, as she loses her train of thought often.  If she laughs herself, I will follow suit, as it breaks the tension.  But, to laugh as she is struggling or show annoyance, would be damaging to her.  I try to treat everyone the same as want others to treat my mother.

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3. 61

   fpherj48posted 12 years ago

   I am both entertained and annoyed.......depending on a long list of conditions:
   Who is it?....How well do I know them?  How well do they know me?  Are they simply shy and tongue-tied or plain stupid?   What sort of mood am I in? 
   Get my drift?  .......I can be amused or annoyed......It just ALL DEPENDS.
   Do YOU feel I just said what I meant?  Because I surely did!   You can bet on it!

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4. 0

   msorenssonposted 12 years ago

   Neither..I know how challenging communication can be..However, in your example, the question that the salesman asked is valid...they are trained to do that...to keep the customer and to determine what else he can sell to the customer....

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5. 79

   MarleneBposted 12 years ago

   I am neither entertained nor annoyed. Communication is not everyone's forte. I do try to understand and help people who are struggling to communicate. In our society, we are commingled with people whose first language is not necessarily our own. If they are struggling, it could be they simply do not have a command of the language. Maybe they are struggling because of illness; maybe they are struggling because of ignorance. Either way, I wouldn't be annoyed and it's not funny to watch people struggle. Maybe it's simply the way they process information. For instance, if I ask a hundred people to describe a red hat, I could potentially receive a hundred different descriptions. Personally, I would describe a red cowboy hat. Now, in your example - I would have known exactly what the lady meant and would have recommended a detergent specifically designed for front loading washers.

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6. 35

   edhanposted 12 years ago

   Hmm... if I am in such a situation, I will think of ways to show an example to resolve it rather than getting angry. I am rather a patience guy who will take certain easy explanation to resolve query as such. If washing machines are available at site, I will show and ask if any is the same as hers.

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7. 60

   shara63posted 12 years ago

   depends, the person and time...if i feel they are really not capable and finding it hard to describe about what they want then my human comes forth to help them out, but if one is up to just for time pass...i am not only annoyed but my demon comes forward to kick them out!

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8. 60

   IDONOposted 12 years ago

   Neither. What I do have a problem with are people that are  figuring out what I am trying to say instead of just listening to what I say. I don't usually have some hidden agenda and it bugs me when people try to find one.

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9. 0

   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   I am neither, because I have been there. I have spent much of my life fighting a speech impairment. When I was younger, I could not pronounce the L, R and W sounds correctly, so when your name is Larry Wall, you are off to a bad start.
   
   Some people have speech impairments. Others have a fear of speaking in public. Others have an inferiority complex that what they say will not be accepted.
   
   If you are talking to some one, give him a chance. Do not try to put words in his mouth. If you have an idea of what he is saying you can ask questions.
   
   As far as your example goes, it is you that had the trouble communicating. If you are a salesman selling washing machines or detergent, then you should understand what she means. If you seel heavy equipment, and she comes in asking about detergent, you should explain to her that she is in the wrong place and direct her to the nearest department store. Communications works in two directions. If you do not understand the question, even though the person presented it in a logical manner i.e, what kind of detergent do I use in my washing machine, your response would be totally in appropriate. WHat would you call a washing machine that loads from side,i.e. front, instead of the top.

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10. 61

    Rosemay50posted 12 years ago

    Neither... it's not nice to belittle people. If I were the lady I would be angry that you made me look like an idiot and walk out and never return to your shop again.
    If the salesman couldn't figure out what she wanted then he is the idiot.

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