The Telling Detail

Written by Braiden on December 8, 2011

In journalism, there’s something called the telling detail. It’s what professional journalists do when they observe the person they’re interviewing and writing about, or the place where a crime or fire has taken place, or a restaurant they are reviewing.

So if the person you are interviewing has a photo of President Obama in a frame on her desk, that might be a telling detail about the power and importance of the interviewee. Or if a 20-something sports an antique ring, that might be her telling detail. Or if a middle-aged man’s hair is dyed purple, that might be a clue as to their personality.

Today I’d like to invite you to start seeing the world through its telling details. Really look into a person’s face. . .study his or her eyes. . .remember the hair color and the way their hair is parted.

Smell the air as you walk the city streets. Notice how it changes from sea-salty to grease-trap to whiff of cologne, all within a block or two.

Look at the sky and watch the ever-changing colors and cloud patterns.

I guess I’m saying, just BE MORE AWARE of the people and places that surround you.

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