I heard this nifty phrase for
the first time today on the CTV morning program known as Canada AM. The application inference was more than
pushing a button on the remote – its connotation referred to switching one line
of thought to another! Almost like a “Time Out” indicator which we’re familiar
with when someone wants to make input to a conversation.
Astute journalists and
commentators, as an example, are most keenly aware of the flow of news reports
and studio interviews, especially “Live” broadcasts. The everyday conversations
of people everywhere can carry participants along with enthusiasm, until
there’s an inadvertent slip of the lip and smiles go south. We sometimes get
so caught up in the chitchat that we miss reading subtle signs of uneasiness or
inappropriate thought lines, then a disconcerting jolt when the brakes jam on.
It came to mind that the
phrase “Changing the Channel” might be an apt tactic for anyone who finds
themselves teetering on the brink of hot water! Parents to recalcitrant
children, adult children to unravelling parents, friend to friend or spouse to
spouse. One accepted approach to keeping conversation alive is to redirect the
focus to sidestep confrontation if the other party becomes overly anxious or
upset. This strategy is a lifesaver for anyone who provides care to a loved one
suffering from dementia – it’s almost like peering far ahead when driving at
night – keenly alert to a possible incident!
Just as we sidestep a puddle
or avoid thin ice, we can – rather than use the Mute button - hopefully
circumvent discord by Changing Channels.
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