Sound like a broken record

Thursday, 2024-1-25, Phrase: Sound like a broken record

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Phrase: Sound like a broken record

When we try to warn people about preparing for the future, we run the risk of sounding like a broken record.

It’s a common frustration for those who care deeply about the well-being of others. 


To sound like a broken record means continually repeating the same message, often to the point of annoyance or frustration.


It’s a reference to a scratch across grooves on a vinyl record that causes the needle to skip and replay the same section repeatedly.

When we repeat the same message too often, people may tune us out or dismiss our message altogether.

It’s important to remember that everyone has a timeline for readiness.

While some may be motivated by urgency, others may need more time or a different approach.

Pushing too hard or too often is counterproductive.

On the flip side, another danger of sounding like a broken record is that it can create a sense of fear or anxiety.

If we’re constantly warning people about the risks of the next world war, it can make them feel overwhelmed or helpless.

Being forewarned is forearmed, but people don’t like to dwell on the negative.

It’s important to balance our message with hope and encouragement.

So, how can we avoid sounding like a broken record?

One approach is to vary our messaging and delivery.

Instead of repeating the same message over and over, try different angles or examples.

Use various mediums like videos, podcasts, or written articles to reach people.

If people are tuning us out, it may be a sign that we need to change our approach.

Listen to feedback and adjust your message accordingly to avoid sounding like a broken record.


Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test

This post is understandable by someone with at least an 8th-grade education (age 13 – 14).  

On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 63.  

The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100. 


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