Communicate

For some, it is relatively common to keep in touch with close ones, families and friends. But for some, it's just a trivial thing. Today's world relies on social networking. You poke on facebook, slap on orkut, and what not. Does that mean you communicate ?

Yes. But some would say, what has this got to do with communication ? Well, it’s a form of sending our regards to each other, informing each other that we’re all going great, so, it’s a form of communication! Maybe not. Communication isn’t all about “poking” people on facebook or "slapping" people on orkut. In fact, conversing face to face may sometimes not constitute any form of communication at all, depending on the parties involved.

In the working society, people communicate to exchange ideas. Mastering the skills of communication is not only about mastering the language. It is about learning what and how to say things that are appropriate in different contexts. It’s about reading and interpreting messages. It’s about picking up visual cues. It’s about listening to your speaker. Words hold different meaning when used differently.

I feel that the inability to express one's idea is just as tragic as the inability to create new ideas. While ideas are the seeds to our minds, it's effective communication that allows our seed to blossom into a great tree. Translating what I have said in the context of the working environment: A brilliant presentation content wouldn't be as good if the presenters are not well equipped with effective communication skills. Just as a good piece of art is brought to life by its frame, ideas alone just aren't sufficient to bring any form of "life" to itself.

Words are powerful tools. The ability to wield them brings immense power. Maybe we should all stop "talking" and begin to communicate with each other. No - that doesn't mean you start poking on facebook.