Those of us who are not writers are not trained to describe in detail we saw or experienced. To just say “It was a beautiful sunset” is not going to cut it. Novelist can describe scenaries in such details that you feel you are in the midst of it. Food writers can make your mouth water. Programmers are trained to describe to the computer step-by-step instructions. All those are trained abilities.
We meet and see a lot of people, how much details do you actually notice and remember? If you are asked to help the police complete a facial composite, do you remember enough details of a stranger? or how about describe one of your friends with enough details to do a composite?
A lot of people have got into car accidents and was too busy checking the car’s damage without noticing potential witness around them. Keeping clear records is essential for insurance claim. There are indeed people who change “the truth” afterwards. You do not want to get into a he says she says scenario. Always remember to get one or more witnesses.
The ability to notice and to find out relevant details is important. The ability to describe things to others in a logical fashion is just as important. You may be the only witness to a crime scene, can you see and remember enough details to help the police? In a medical emergency and you may be the first call to 911. While the 911 operator will indeed guide you through, but if you know what is the most important and can describe it in a logical fashion, you may be able to save some minutes. Time is a very valueable resource in critical situations, sometimes even seconds can make a difference!
Exercise
Do you know the medical history / where records of things are stored for every family member? If not, go find out. (Don’t need to describe to me where things are stored, just let me know where you missed or think you can improve).
If you fainted in the middle of the street, can paramedics or medical doctors find out enough about you to help you? What is the best or most common way of keeping such information?