Brian read an article that said people say 3000 words to themselves a day. My question was are those words spoken out loud or just in the person's head? I talk to myself A LOT! Sometimes I have mini-panic attacks because I'm afraid I've said some of my internal monologue out loud. This happens to me a lot in the bathroom at work, especially if I don't think anyone else is around. I am answering emails, chastising people, or reminding myself to pick up a print out from the printer before heading back from my desk. I'm always embarrassed because I'm worried someone wonders what I was mumbling to myself.
Yesterday, I caught myself at the gas station. The tech writer in my cringed when I saw the following on the pump:
PUMP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Follow instructions on screen.
Oh, how helpful. First, according to tech writing principles, you wouldn't have numbered steps for a single step task. I'd love to see an editor's red ink on the pump. Second, who is going to need this tiny white text when the screen is so prominent? Then again, maybe I don't want to know. Or maybe I do know some of these people and that's why I've become so cynical. Not everyone spends their time adding the digits in the time. ;-)
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4 comments:
Ha! I do the same thing....answer emails, fuss at people, remind myself of things to do...all out loud. And yes, I also do it in the bathroom. I've even caught myself starting to do it in meetings (granted, I spend so much time in meetings, where else can I do it?).
good to hear i'm not the only one...
Maybe if the on-screen instructions began with "Step 2", the single numerated step would be justified. :)
I have a bad habit of talking to myself as I'm leaving the bathroom. No wonder I get strange looks by people walking by as soon as I exit.
I would like to know what percentage of my 3000 words are curse words... I do catch myself yelling "shit!" and F-bombs during the day with my office door open. Surprised no one has complained about THAT yet!
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