When I am the "Ah" counter,
I will remember to listen and to. . .

Ring that Bell

AWARENESS IS THE CURE

Every time I am the "Ah Counter,"
I realize how poorly I listen (I find this also true as the Grammarian).

I didn't understand, in the beginning, that the functionary role of the "Ah Counter" had two purposes:

l) to assist the other members in their improvement program
2) to develop a skill - listening

It is said, "Awareness is the beginning of the cure."

If the saying is true, that concept can help us recognize there is a definite value to ringing the bell. If we are not listening and /or are hesitant to ring the bell for fear of disrupting the speaker, etc., then we are not providing the benefit expected of us.

The members have entrusted us, yea, charged us, with a clear responsibility:

"Let us know when we have said an "ah," "er," or "uhm" so we can be cured!
We won't learn to not say "ah" until it is called to our attention---at the time it occurs."

When you are the "Ah Counter," listen, and remember;
you have our permission to ring that bell.