FOLFIFOAP
Do you suffer from folfifoap? Have you ever caused someone to experience the folfifoap, either deliberately (I hope not!) or unwittingly?
It is not a pleasant sensation and can show itself in many ways. For some, it results in stuttering and stammering. (Stuttering and stammering mean the same thing, but stuttering is the term more likely to be heard in Australia, Canada, and the US. Stammering is mostly used in UK, Ireland, and Singapore.)
In other people, folfifoap causes blushing, while yet others are reduced to speechlessness. This is uncomfortable, particularly in an interview situation, where the onus is on presenting oneself in the best light possible.
Most professionals do their best to put those who may be feeling insecure or nervous at their ease, but in some cases, this leads to further embarrassment or discomfort.
Is there a cure? I doubt it. The only way to overcome Fear Of Looking Foolish In Front Of A Professional (FOLFIFOAP) is to equip oneself with as much knowledge as possible about a particular subject, event, or dilemma, and build up one’s self-confidence.
FOLFIFOAP is what keeps me quiet and in the corner at gatherings (if I go at all) where people chat away with ease on subjects I know nothing about (almost everything) mostly politics and sports and fashions as well as the latest thing in TV shows and "did you see...?"
ReplyDeleteHMMM.... Actually? I'd rather most people suffer through FOLFIFOAP than (TTMPTYKWYTAWYD) "try to make people think you know what you're talking about when you don't."
ReplyDeleteThe best way to avoid that fear is by listening instead of talking. I am not sure when it became shameful to say, "That's not something I am familiar with " and then simply listen.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, not something I suffer from.
ReplyDeleteRaising my hand
ReplyDeleteA good rule. It is better to stay silent and let them think you are stupid than it is to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
ReplyDelete"Best to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!" There is a lot of wisdom in that quote.
ReplyDeleteI assumed stammering was caused by neurological issues in the part of the brain that produces speech. And therefore not able to be cured or even improved.
ReplyDeleteI've had to overcome a lot of that in discussions with the builder and architect;. soldier courses, telescopic vents (we need 4, apparently), DPM, are just a few..
ReplyDeleteSmile!! Best to remain silent, as AnvilCloud says! I'd be sure to end up dropping a ton of bricks and putting my foot in my mouth however much I googled beforehand
ReplyDeleteNever experienced this. On the contrary, I enjoy being around people who know what they're really on about, and find it fascinating to learn from them. Instead of pretending I know as much as they do, I will ask questions. If someone asks me something I can't answer, I'll freely admit to it.
ReplyDeleteListen and learn.
ReplyDelete