Separate facts, predictions and interpretations · D2.16

Write an observer's description of an everyday event

You want to distinguish what happened from the judgment attached to it.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Choose a manageable recent event and describe what a camera or transcript could record.
2. Add your own thoughts and feelings in a separate sentence, clearly identified as your experience.
3. Use both kinds of information to choose what, if anything, needs attention.

An example

The person looked at the clock twice. I felt rushed and wondered whether we were out of time.

Reflect

What did the observation show, and what did it leave unknown?

Next time

Ask a clarifying question when the unknown matters.