Last weekend I attended the “Stella” shouting contest in Jackson Square in New Orleans. It was part of the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival.
As you may recall from Marlon Brando’s unforgettable performance in A Streetcar Named Desire, Stanley shouts, “Stella, Stella, Stella” up to Stella on the balcony.
One by one different contestants stepped up and communicated in their own style. One guy even sent Stella a text message.
We all “shout” or try to get attention in different ways.
We go to violence or silence. Some of us scream, while others get quiet. Some of us get angry and some of us hint, sending subtle clues. Others of us are direct and confront situations head on.
In what ways do you “shout” when faced with a difficult situation? How do you get someone’s attention? How effective are you in achieving your desired outcome?
Knowing how we communicate can help us to reinforce what is working and to change what is not. We can also create less drama and less stress.