Talk or Do?

I recently posted this on a popular forum on Facebook:

I intend to do X does not equate to I have done X. Action is measured in outcomes and results.

This generated a lot of comments with some people interpreting it that I was talking about someone or other and taking offence.

The truth is that the phrase applies to:

• individuals (I want to lose weight will not lead to weight loss if not backed by diet and exercise).
• political parties (You spend years in opposition saying little or something but no detailed workout of your plans, should you win).
• governments (Press statements and press releases are no substitute for action. Neither are interviews by friendly news outlets. Nor courtesy calls. Good for PR but this is not action.)

The graph below summaries this in an easy to read way:

To Talk or To Do

If you say nothing and do nothing, you are totally useless.

If you talk a lot and do nothing, you are what my learners used to call “chatting shi*t”.

If you say nothing and do a lot, you may need to hire a Public Relations Agency or not, if you prefer anonymity.

If you talk a lot and do a lot, then you deserve all the accolades you get.

Wilfred Wright hopes to say a little and do a lot. Some basic maths introduction.