Communications
What exactly is communication? In
what ways do people communicate?
Think about all the different types of relationships you
have...parents, teachers, friends, girl/boy friends, brothers, sisters, aunts,
uncles, strangers on the street, sales clerks, waiters, waitresses and even the
taxi cab driver. The list is endless. What types of ideas are
communicated in these different relationships? There is more to
communication than what you say. Did you know that? Webster's
Dictionary defines communication as
"Function: noun
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information
communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between
individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the
function of pheromones in insect communication>; also :
exchange of information b : personal rapport <a lack of
communication between old and young persons>
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for
communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops,
supplies, and vehicles c : personnel engaged in
communicating
5 plural but singular or plural in construction a :
a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech) b :
the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or
telecommunication)"
In what other ways do people "communicate" other than the spoken word?
Do all of these ways merely relate to the definition of the words spoken?
When we talk about the actual definition of a word we are talking about
denotation or the literal meaning.
There is an another concept called connotation
within our language. A word may mean more that just its literal
definition. It may have ideas and thoughts associated to it that give its
meaning color. For example, when I talk about Christmas, more than just
the image of the birthday of Jesus are brought to mind. Dozens of other
things like Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snow, and even hot chocolate all
come to mind when the word Christmas is spoken.
Connotation is very important in prose and poetry. It helps us to
understand meaning and implication in written speech. It is also part of
the reason each of us can hear or read something and take away a slightly
different interpretation of what has been communicated. In some cases,
based on own experiences, we can completely misunderstand the idea meant to be
communicated.
As you know this can happen quite a bit between adults and young people?
Why do you think this is true? Why do family members so often use the
wrong denotations of words when they communicate? Write about a time you
and someone else had a misunderstanding because a word connoted something
different to each of you? Are there other ways by which information is
communicated aside from the written or spoken word?
"We share what we know, so that others may grow."
*
How to be a Good Communicator
- in Business and in Life
by Craig Lock
COMMUNICATION:
How to be a good communicator and how to make the most of your
relationships:
* Be interested in other people - show that you are by asking
questions (but don't be insincere or hypocritical - nice word).
Not mundane comments about the weather. Say something interesting
like: "How's the back yard?" Be tactful. Don't say, "has grannie
'popped off' yet?"
* Be punctual - this shows you are responsible, courteous and
respectful of other's time.
* Enjoy other people's company and have FUN.
* Tell the good news (without being a "Bible-basher", please). Be positive and
other people will enjoy your company.
* Be decisive - this shows confidence
* Like yourself and be positive about your life. Doing this will draw others
towards you.
Cultivate a positive attitude of enthusiasm, hope and especially faith in the
future.
* Keep your sense of humor. Hope you've still got one after reading all this!
* Tell people what you like about them without embarrassing them.
* Be realistic in your goals, plans and desires; yet they should stretch you.
* Look at people, when you talk to them.
* Spend time alone with your partner/"significant other".. Go on
walks together. If you are not in a close relationship, discuss
what's happening in your life from time to time with a close
friend. If like me, you don't have one, join "rent-a-friend".
* Give and take in your relationships.
* Smile often (not inanely).
* Respect people (for what they are).
* Recognise that right and wrong are never black and white. There
are always three sides to any story: your side, the other
person's...and the TRUTH.
* Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes (only if they fit you). I like
walking a mile in another man's shoes. By the time he finds out, I'm a mile away
and I've got his shoes as a "freebie"!
* Watch, wait and listen when developing relationships.
* Be assertive, but cautious.
* Don't gossip, backbite and backstab. Treat others, as you'd
LIKE to be treated yourself - with dignity and respect.
* Personal integrity is crucial at ALL TIMES. Be true to your values and
beliefs...
and most importantly,
as you travel down the journey of life, JUST BE YOURSELF and BE HAPPY.
Craig Lock
"The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the
power within you...and the often seemingly difficult or even
"impassible") path ahead of you is never as steep with the great
spirit that lies within you.
- Craig Lock
"Information and Inspiration distributor"
http://www.craiglock.com
Craig's FREE e-book Steps to Success is now available at:
http://www.bridgeniche.com/stepstosuccess/
P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already tomorrow in
"little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand
Connotation
"1 a : the suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the
thing it explicitly names or describes b : something suggested by
a word or thing :
IMPLICATION <the connotations of comfort
that surrounded that old chair>"
Denotation
2: a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated
idea
Definitions are from Merriam-Webster located at
http://www.m-w.com/
