I have come to realize how poor a communicator I have been in the past. How well I may think I have expressed a thought is always limited and I need to accept that fact. How well I think I have listened and understood is always going to be limited and I need to accept that fact. In my experience learning to communicate in these later years of my life has been a wonderful adventure. I find it enjoyable to converse with someone who is also willing and open to learning the craft of communications. It is at these times we connect, come to understand each other and find our differences may be gifts rather than obstacles.
“Words do not express thoughts very well. They always become a little different immediately after they are expressed, a little distorted, a little foolish.”
Hermann Hesse
6 Comments
Tom Dills
Written communication can be especially difficult, since without the benefit of verbal nuance and facial expression, it is easy to misinterpret words. I often suggest that the “voice” that I’m hearing in my own head as I write is not necessarily the voice that the reader will hear my words in. Although even in verbal communication we all struggle a bit in that way. As you say, it is an interesting learning experience!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom. At my age I want to continue to learn and being a better communicator is one of them.
Joe
Communications 101 – it is up to the writer/speaker to make themselves understood, not for the receiver to decipher. Even knowing this I write as if I’m easily understood and often have to return to a piece to edit for clarity. I have that same voice in my head as Tom does but it always sounds crystal clear to me
I really should respect the reader more.
Monte Stevens
I agree with you Joe. Even though we have evolved the written and spoken language to new heights the word will always seem to fall short. I am a believer that those spaces between letters and words can speak volumes in thier silence. One thing I enjoy about the poet is the intention to allow the reader to participate with the poem. In many ways I hope this blogging thing I enjoy does that. I hope to have feedback on what I wrote or the comments of others. Name calling excluded!!
Alexander S. Kunz
Just glad to read that I’m not alone…
Thanks!
Monte Stevens
Thanks for making me laugh!!!!!