One of the most common questions that I get is, how do I get people to talk to me? This trip, as the last, the automatic answer has been that I am shocked/delighted by just how easy it is. I am fond of saying that in 2008, people were so responsive because I made myself so ridiculous. Yellow slicker, helmet hair, short and aging… kind of irresistible, no? For this trip, I was a little worried, as I clearly lack the shock factor.
But it is so simple. People ask in passing where you are heading and, voilà, introduction. What happens next is the best part. Almost without question upon hearing that I am ‘audio harvesting’ people ready themselves to be asked for an interview. More surprising, people within earshot often queue up. So cool.
Today I found myself in the Huntington Avenue YMCA in Boston (with thanks to Bryan and Rana), the first YMCA in the country and a historical landmark, it is breathtaking. Here, as I did leg lifts, a man asked where I was from, and we were off. Within minutes, three more people wanted to give me their ‘words’ for our mind map. The enthusiasm that I have met in every region simply to be heard is remarkable. I will be forever grateful.
But today, I want to introduce you to David. He requested first name only with no photo as he is one of my ‘felons I have talked to’. David is heading back to Lubbock, Texas where he has a job and where he found a better environment to raise his son. While so much of his life experience is outside of our understanding, David’s views are some of the most common that I hear expressed.
[rtmp3 url="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/108166614/Audio2012/David.mp3" title="David"]
Anyone who overcomes the barriers that ex-felons face and carves out a life for himself and his child… that’s someone to respect! I’m so glad you had the chance to interview David. I’m not sure if he has the right to vote (depends on his state). Sadly folks convicted of felonies often lose their right to vote forever. Jim Crow alive and well in many states.
What a compelling interview. We all wish David and his son well.
Great good wishes to David and his son! With David’s positive attitude, I am sure they will do well. Give Bryan and Rana a big hug and kiss from Mom!! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving – we have a lot to be thankful for, and hopefully that will include 4 more years!!
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If we could transplant David’s attitude into 10 key individuals, we could fix any broken organization. Unfortunately, the technology to do so does not yet exist
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Regarding your amazement at how easy it is to get people to talk to you, I’m going to let that slide. Pretty much, your regular readers already know how abnormally attractive and charismatic you are. Let’s blame the leg lifts – yeah, that’s it – like the Bend & Snap, works every time!