The Illusion within the Communication Explosion — "A World of Understanding Begins with You"
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"The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished."
-- George Bernard Shaw
Mr. Shaw had no idea how true his statement would be in this new age of communication. In today's world of the immediate transfer of ideas one would think that the
human race was at a great advantage when it comes to heartfelt understanding. In fact, the opposite seems true.
Look around you at this moment. Wars rage in the Middle East over religious and political differences. Politicians cut each other down at every
opportunity instead of finding ways to work together to solve problems. People in the media argue over how well they are communicating the "truth" when many of
them wouldn't know how to relate the real truth if it hit them in the head.
How effectively you choose your words will determine how effective you are as a person.
And while this is going on, we're all typing frantically in our own little communication boxes sending hurried messages so we can get to the next barrage of incoming email.
Although there are more words flying around in cyberspace than there are stars in the heavens, are we really communicating with each other? No, we're not. The point is,
it all starts with you—the individual. If we try as individuals to communicate on a higher plain, the entire world will begin to benefit.
The majority of us use email to communicate these days—in both business and personal life. But email cannot convey a facial expression or an inflection in a word that
could change the entire meaning of a sentence. We're so busy shooting off our thoughts that we have forgotten how to phrase them correctly. Or worse, we don't
care to take the time to do so. Too often emails can come off as barked orders or flippant comments. There's a simple solution to this problem: We need to slow down—take
a few minutes—care about the words that we're typing, because they are important.
How effectively you choose your words will determine how effective you are as a person. As a business owner, I'm amazed by how few people can type a complete sentence.
Complete sentences matter because they are the result of complete thoughts. Instead of using the usual email protocol of substituting numbers or letters for entire words
(what I call "English for Dummies and Lazy Butts"), type the words! Don't use "2" for the word "too," or shortcuts like "u" for "you" to communicate with those who are
important in your business and your life. In the long run it tells them that they're not worth the effort of typing a clear and thought-out message. Sometimes being
"hip" or "cool" isn't all it's cracked up to be if it's going to cost you time, money, or even worse . . . relationships!
It's not old fashioned to know how to write; it's just plain smart. Use correct grammar. Think about what you're saying and how you're saying it. Have a beginning, middle
and end to your thought process. When you can show your respect of others by communicating with a clear understanding of language, you'll be surprised how people
will respond. If you don't have a great understanding of language skills, educate yourself! Information about the use of language is at the tip of your fingers: look up
grammatical subjects on the Internet, visit your local library, go to the book store and pick up a book on the basics of language.
Email should not be your only form of written communication just because it's there. When was the last time you sent an actual card or letter to someone? Think about how
good you feel when you receive a hand-written note in the mail from a colleague, friend or family member. Receiving such a communication means someone has taken
the time out of their busy day to make a special effort to show you that they care.
Make a point to have an assorted stock of greeting cards that you can readily send to someone to thank, encourage or inform.
"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
-- Carl W. Buechner
And isn't that the whole point of communication . . . making someone "feel" something?
Perhaps if we can remember that change starts with one person we'll remember to make every word count. The world can begin to be a better
place—one in which communication
is not just an illusion— when we truly respect the
power of language and how it can help us understand . . . and be understood.
Suggested Reading/Resource List:
Associated Press Stylebook — The Journalist's "Bible"
website: www.apstylebook.com
The Elements of Style — by Strunk and White (often called the Writer's Bible)
Buy it at Barnes & Noble:
Online Guide to Basic English Punctuation Rules
About.com
(You can get everything from free English courses to help with grammar on this site.)
-- Nanette Malher
©2006 In-Flight Greeting Cards
product of Aviatrix Enterprises
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