Speech as performance
I don’t talk when I haven’t got anything interesting enough
to say
This puts speech on something of a performative, competitive
basis, that there is a certain bar to enter, and if you can’t get above that
you need to be quiet. Interest level I
guess is determined by those there, or maybe by one dominant person, the queen
in the court for instance. As you speak
so they hold up their cards and if your speech is interesting enough then it is
allowed, without disdain or ridicule.
It then partly leaves speech as an objective performance, in
the court of the people, speech almost becomes like music which is enjoyed or
otherwise.
The threat of under performing would presumably range from a
reduction in social status through to being ostracised.
Reasons to speak
There are other reasons for speech apart from a performance
for others. Firstly, that you want to
work something out, so for instance, you’re confused if what you said to your
partner is reasonable, and you can ask those around you what they think.
Secondly you want to connect with other people to deepen your engagement with
something, did you see that show\sunset etc, wasn’t it amazing, then you can
both enjoy the event together. Thirdly
there can be the function of speech, to entertain, to comfort, to show off and
garner admiration, to be superior, through informing or to connect to another.
Being interesting.
On one hand we are all unique perspectives on a shared
experience. So, we can communicate, and
whist much is shared, there is also an inalienable difference .
So, on one hand just to give your unique perspective on our
shared experience can brim with interest, if the thing you are talking about
connects with others. I guess that is the real key.
Interesting seems about connection to other people’s
interests.
Being uninteresting
To do this you can talk in a disengaged way with your
experience, which might result in talking in cliches. Or talk about something
you really don’t care about, so you’re actually forcing talking when you should
be listening.
Not speaking when you want to
You may not speak when you want to as you fear that what you
are interested in other people won’t be.
You might fear that other people will be critical of what
you have to say.
Thinking about this there could also be a quite number of reasons,
procrastination might be one, fearing connection another, and I’m left thinking
there may well be others!
