Stop writing to start understanding

principle — attributed to James Lancaster

Lancaster's habit at conferences is to put the notebook down. Transcribing every sentence occupies the brain with recording rather than interpreting. In a hall where tone, reaction, and subtle disagreement reveal more than prepared remarks, the reporter who occasionally stops writing often sees more than the one who never looks up.

"When people are busy transcribing every sentence, they are no longer absorbing the conversation itself."

attention, observation