Addiction is such an addicting word, isn’t it? People use it all the time as in: I’m addicted to ‘This Is Us’ or I’m addicted to chocolate or I have a shoe addiction (all true – fyi).
But addiction is a real thing. Ask anyone who has lived with a real addiction to alcohol or gambling or drugs and I promise you they won’t use the word “addiction” to describe their love of sugar or television or footwear.
I recently read an Allure magazine article written by Molly Young and was more than impressed. Her research and insight is spot-on and I highly recommend you read her piece here.
In fact, I wrote a book on this very subject a few years ago. As a professional speaker on the subject of communication, I had been asked by some of the most well-known CEOs in the country one of the most heartfelt questions I’d ever heard: How can I help my child communicate better with me and with others? Because no matter how savvy any of us are in business, we all still want the same thing: happy, successful, confident children who turn into happy, successful, confident adults who hopefully provide us with happy, successful, confident grandchildren. But without the ability to communicate on a personal level, the possibility of the human race surviving seems a bit shaky. I have a vision of people texting “Will you marry me?” while waiting in line for a coffee. Romantic.
Instead of panicking, read Young’s article. Or my book. Or take this quiz by David Greenfield, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. And download an app such as Moment or these other recommended apps. A digital detox may result in more time and energy and space for the important things in life – like friends and family. (And chocolate and shoe shopping).
Debra Fine was once a shy and tongue-tied engineer and is a leading internationally recognized woman keynote speaker, trainer, communication expert and bestselling author. This is proof that ANYONE can learn how to small talk. Really. Even you. Fine established The Fine Art of Small Talk to teach others how to make conversation, build rapport, mingle and grow relationships at business networking events, conventions, association meetings, trade shows, dinner with people you don’t really like and other various functions you may be forced to attend. Debra lives in Denver with her family.