… OK, it’s not just planners.
Hell, it’s not just people in advertising … it’s everyone.
Including brands. In some ways, especially brands.
Years and years ago, we did a study on the ‘art of conversation’ at Google and it definitely backed up this view.
We rarely have a conversation, we simply wait to talk about what we want to talk about.
What makes it worse is we don’t even realise we’re doing it … we think we’re adding to the conversation when what we’re really doing is simply shifting it to another place.
Sometimes that’s good, but it’s also very easy to walk away from issues and considerations that could breathe new life into old topics.
Though why I’m telling you this when the comments NEVER reflect the topic of the post is anyone’s guess.
34 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I think you’ll find that I single-handedly kept yesterday’s comments on topic at least half the time. Clearly you were more interested in replying.
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 6:25 amI think it’s nice you think you have something to say we want to hear. As you described yourself yesterday, cute.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 6:49 amThat proves I was reading what you said. Busted.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 6:50 amI wrote that I was being cute not that I was cute. Thus proving that people don’t even pay attention to short copy.
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 6:57 amThat’s a relief.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 7:34 amAs for listening. I just listened to that stalkery video of you learning to play guitar in your office. I don’t think any reply is possible.
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 6:27 amI’d ask where you saw it but then I remembered I suffered the real thing for 3 years and can’t take any more.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 6:48 amFacebook – and he didn’t know he was being filmed
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 6:56 amhttps://www.facebook.com/elephant.xiang/videos/vb.1127031425/10207240943118346/?type=2&theater
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 7:01 amIt’s not a queen song. What is going on?
Comment by Pete October 14, 2015 @ 7:09 amOr I don’t think it’s a queen song. I’m not an expert of their catalogue.
Comment by Pete October 14, 2015 @ 7:10 amUnfortunately he’s good. Can’t be him then.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 7:35 amI am only commenting to say I’m not going to comment because I’ve learnt that would be a very, very stupid thing to do. Almost as stupid as playing the guitar in the office and having a stalker film me.
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 8:06 amRob never shuts up so there’s no point thinking of a reply, you’d never get to use it. Not that he says anything you want to listen to.
Comment by Billy Whizz October 14, 2015 @ 6:54 amFunny you mention the conversation research, we are going to be redoing it soon to explore the possible changes that have occurred over the years. I’ll send you the results when we get them, though maybe we should just hire the notice writers at the London Underground.
Comment by Pete October 14, 2015 @ 7:15 amThat would be ace. Sadly, if there has been any change, I fear it will only make John Dodds look like Nostradamus.
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 8:01 amThe signwriters can be found here http://tubesign.herokuapp.com/
Comment by John October 14, 2015 @ 5:29 pmYou kept this quiet Robert. http://tinyurl.com/pbahw64
Comment by George October 14, 2015 @ 7:44 amCongratulations.
Congratulations Robert. Very well deserved.
Comment by Lee Hill October 14, 2015 @ 7:49 amThat’s because I only found out about it a few days ago. And – amazingly – I was apparently recommended by a pitch consultant. Obviously the best – and most deluded – pitch consultant in the whole, wide, World.
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 8:02 amYou’re the FIFA of advertising.
Comment by DH October 14, 2015 @ 8:08 amWell done Rob. I am waiting for Andy to give you his own unique congratulations.
Comment by Pete October 14, 2015 @ 9:27 amI’m slightly concerned because he’s not written anything yet. I’m hoping it’s because he’s away rather than fainted in shock.
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 11:26 amif anything fucking proves how fucking fucked up the world is, its this fucking news. and that guitar bollocks. i should never have come back.
Comment by andy@cynic October 20, 2015 @ 11:13 pmApart from helping you understand, there are additional benefits to listening. As any lawyer worth their salt will tell you, it allows you a front seat to spot weakness in others arguments. Or said another way, it hands you opportunity and advantage moving forward. Mouth closed, ears open is one of the most effective strategies in business.
Comment by Lee Hill October 14, 2015 @ 7:55 amThat’s dark Lee. Very, very dark.
No wonder British Airways never stood a chance. Ha.
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 8:03 amRe your topic, guilty as charged.
Comment by Ian Gee October 14, 2015 @ 8:14 amBut what I really wanted to say was ….
I try to always remind myself that we all have two sets of ears–one for listening and one for speaking.
Comment by charles harrison October 14, 2015 @ 8:18 amDon’t we have one set of ears?
Comment by Pete October 14, 2015 @ 9:26 am🙂
Comment by charles harrison October 15, 2015 @ 8:27 amWhen I listen to Dodds I still don’t understand
Comment by Northern October 14, 2015 @ 4:29 pmThoroughly deserve the innovation award although I’m surprised they omitted more innovative research methods (you know which ones)
Oh I do. I am guessing it’s because they either didn’t know, the person [whoever] who nominated didn’t know or they realised their reputation was already going to take a kicking over this and didn’t want to make matters worse for themselves. Now, how the hell are you???
Comment by Rob October 14, 2015 @ 5:26 pmHarassed
Comment by Northern October 15, 2015 @ 7:39 amIs it because of those pink shows you own?
Comment by Rob October 15, 2015 @ 7:40 am