4 mins or less

I have a confession to make. I am a terrible story teller. Well this is according to my family and friends anyway. Apparently when I narrate a story, I speak so fast that by the time they grasp it’s peak, the narration has reached a sudden premature climax that they fail to understand the whole point of the story. This usually leads to the proverbial “HUH?

They are probably right. I think I’m a terrible story teller. I am also a terrible listener. You know that friend who drifts off while you’re telling them a detailed story? Yup I am that horrible friend. Why?

I am busy. I am impatient. I am easily distracted. I get bored easily.

I am sadly, a product of my environment. Think I’m wrong? Look around you. Everyone is terribly busy and/or distracted by their phone, Ipod, computer, television, book, chatting in a social setting etc. No one is just sitting around doing absolutely nothing. So hey, don’t judge me! Four or less minutes is the only time I’m willing to dedicate to reading your amazing article here on medium or listening to your story during a verbal conversation before asking you to get to the point. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a medically diagnosed reading disorder or some attention deficiency syndrome. I enjoy human interaction and even love to sit down and read a good book every now and then.. *Ping* (Oops..please excuse me while I check this email.) See? what did I just tell you?

Now where was I? Yes, I enjoy interaction and sometimes I even click on and read stories that are over four minutes long after being lured by their captivating titles. However, if they aren’t enthralling enough to keep me hooked past the 4.50 mark, I’m afraid I usually jump ship. The point i’m trying to make here is writers should try to keep the main content of their articles within a four minute “read rate” pace. If you really have a lot to say, please don’t exceed 5 mins. (Unless it’s a step by step tutorial, a life hack or research of a topic that requires intimate detail)

Try listening to any song that goes over 4.55 minutes long nowadays. Ugh…It’s fucking TORTURE! The Fast forward button is probably the busiest button on your music device. Admit it. Well,… unless its Bohemian Rhapsody because damn that’s a good song. *Ding* (exits street car to proceed to underground subway with zero cellular service and no wifi). I guess i’ll have to stop reading/writing now since my phone service is going to disconnect in…..