Like everyone, you believe your sense of humor is above average, you are a bit brighter than most and your driving skills, undoubtedly, surpass 75% of the kooks  on the road.   Mathematical reality prevents everyone from being above average. Regardless of your affinity for math, or reality, your behavior at some point will be below average, and this is your chance to say sorry successfully.  Every presentation, even apologetic ones, are enhanced when you focus on the audience, have a clear message and deliver it congruently.

Conveying contrition demands congruence.  Whomever you have trespassed upon can only accept your apology if they believe you are sorry.  Pain heightens and distorts our senses.  Ambivalent tone and body language just adds insult to injury when your listeners are already hurt.  Take the time to allow the pain you have caused, large or small,  to touch you.  When you speak from this place, your discomfort creates a congruent connection.

Remember to actually say the words, “I‟m sorry” whenever you apologize. Apologizing requires you to recognize and acknowledge short-comings, your short-comings. Specifically name your offense, but refrain from explaining it.  The clearer you are, the easier it is to hear you through the pain.  How your apology, or any message, is received is ultimately up to the recipient.

Focusing your attention on the receiver and speaking in specifics is critical.  State what you did in terms of how it effected someone else and, like any audience, they will feel heard and understood.

Your communication, and specifically your apologies, can be above average when your focus is clear and congruent.  On average, your kooky driving will not be seen as humorous, nor intelligent, so slow down and make some room for “I‟m sorry”, so your sorrys can become successful.