Do you really know?

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle

You know … fall is a wonderful time of year when the sport of the season involving teams everywhere at all levels compete on the gridiron. Of course I’m speaking of football.

It’s the post game interview that bugs the life out of me. Here’s what I want you to do. The next time a player or coach is interviewed, count the number of times they use the expression “you know.” Guaranteed, it’s distracting.
In a recent 90 second interview following a game, I counted 21 “you knows.”

My point: I don’t know. That’s why I’m listening. That’s the purpose of an interview – to gain added insight. I surely want to know, and I want you to tell me. Please don’t assume I know.

Perhaps I’m being silly, and giving you some insight into one of my pet peeves. Our language is filled with rich opportunities to express oneself. In college, our athletes are students first, followed by their extracurricular investments of time in activities or sports. I know it’s a habit to say “I know,” a very bad and annoying habit. So, let’s break it.

When you know something, then tell me in explicit terms. Then I will know too. I will listen because I too want to learn from your knowledge. Please don’t assume I know, because I probably don’t.

Here’s what I know. I know TCL staff and faculty are serving students in record numbers, and I know we’re making a valuable impact in our community. I know we can make a difference with a planned credit curriculum in a variety of skill areas (some requiring a speech course) or through a customized non-credit course designed to meet immediate learning needs. Did you know that?