Food Scientists' focus group discussion

I got to attend a focus group discussion with four other food researchers in Singapore, Switzerland, Chicago IL, and Guelph, ON.  It was really a nice meeting with professionals in different fields.

It was a good opportunity to think about what I value about doing research at a public university, rather than at a private company.  The research process at public universities are collaborative, and we are going towards the same goal hand in hand, rather than competing for profit.  It's much more noble and meaningful way of making money, to me. 

The way English speakers talk.. I feel there is something fundamentally different than me.  Or is it personality trait, also?  They just talk and talk and never end.  Do they expect me to interject?  Isn't it rude to do so?  There is value in being concise, though.  We were running out of time towards the end of the 1.5 hour session, but some people just kept talking and talking.  And when they digress and the modertor tried to intervene, they raise their volume to overpower the moderator and went on.  OMG..  It's plain rude, and not professional, and they are just making a bad impression, not getting their points across.  A good speech is a skill to have.  

Yes, that is what inter-human relationships truly are in real life.  There aren't too many people who can communicate efficiently, effectively, and courteously.