In the year 2000, the average attention span of a human was 12 seconds; in 2015 it was measured at 8.25 seconds. During that same span, the average goldfish had maintained their attention span at 9 seconds. By keeping the goldfish principle in mind, it will help you in all of your communications. Whether you are trying to sell something, debate a point, or present an idea to a coworker, the Goldfish Principle is the key to winning.