What is the real meaning behind what people say?

Here are just a few examples of the double-speak that we all engage in. But I wonder if we always hear the sub-text when someone says:

I hear what you say

I see where you are coming from

I hope you like strong tea

I'll get back to you on that

Here, let me get you a coaster

No, no, I'm not offended. I can take a joke.

The conference covered a lot of ground and there was a full and frank exchange of views

You look really young

Please don't mind me

It's not that I don't believe you …

Q. How do you like him?
A. Actually, I hardly know him
A. He's very good at his job
A. He means well
A. I've got nothing against him

Q. How do you like my house?
A. It has that lived-in look
A. It makes you feel at home
A. What an interesting colour scheme
A. I hate a home where everything is neatly put away

Q. You've heard my complaint. Will you put it right?
A. I have listened with interest and made a note of your views
A. I'll make these points clear to all concerned
A. I assure you I will keep it top-of-mind
A. I'll look into it, first chance I get

I hope I'm not interrupting

Forgive me, but …

You must come over for dinner some time

We're all in this together


Often the real meaning is in the sub-text. What do you make of those examples?

Now, how about some of your own?

Terrible Apprentices

Caught the end of last night's Apprentice, just in time to see the miserable trio facing the sack.

What is it about the selection procedure that enlists the same kind of deadbeats in every series? In the current series, there's a chap called Ben who is so full of self-justification, it's painful to watch. In last night's episode, after one of them got the chop, Ben and James went back to the penthouse in the same limo. As they had spent the previous half hour trying to get each other fired, I wonder what they talked about in the limo ...

The show is remarkable, not only for the monumental incompetence displayed by people who think they are worth £100,000 a year as Sralan's protege, but for their very poor communication skills. In the boardroom they bluster and posture, but out in the field they are worse. The project leaders show little understanding of management or delegation, and frequently refuse to listen to the advice of their colleagues.

In situations when the teams have to present their propositions, their presentations skills would embarrass a class of sixth formers. Finally, on their return to the boardroom, their mutual condemnations are devoid of the personal dignity that I would expect of a reputable business person.

What do YOU think of them?

The Speaker

I just watched the first episode in the new BBC2 series called The Speaker, to find the best young speaker in Britain. I thought the choice of judges was terrible. They displayed a lack of understanding of public speaking disciplines, and were critical of the young contestants in a way that could only harm their self confidence.

The programme's format was odd, to say the least, and the judging criteria bizarre. Whom did the BBC contact? The judges were a terrible stand-up performer, an acting tutor, and a former basketball player. The editing wasn't much better.

What a sad wasted opportunity! What's worse is that the winner will be coached by those judges.