Communicating ~ Is It Lost?

When we think of communication we automatically think of talking but in essence, it is actually an exchange of thoughts. Normally we perform it either verbally or nonverbally and in today's fast-paced world, the use of modern technology have taken it to a whole new level.

Talking and letter writing use to be the primary avenues of expressing ourselves for generations. Now we have the use of cell phones, emails, fax machines, text messaging, podcasts and so much more to get our meanings across. However, is our meaning being lost somewhere in the translation?

Will the day actually come when we move away from face-to-face contact that still involves touch? Thankfully, it is still a prerequisite to one's success in the business world. It does not matter how well you can write or text. If you can't convey it convincingly and intelligently in person, you will most definitely leave the kind of lasting impression you don't want to make.

One tends to wonder if we are all slowly being transformed into a robotic society. Appearance, posture, poise, touch, facial expression, eye contact, gestures and even silence can still speak measures but, is it still being practiced, even taught? We all know a smile is a universal sign of approval and acceptance. And okay … a smiley face can get the same point across. However, effective communication non-verbal or otherwise seems to be falling through the cracks. It is an art form that our younger and upcoming generations seem not to get, understand or practice.

Grammar and manners has taken the most drastic over the last few decades and one tends to wonder who is at fault. Slang, vulgarity, acronyms, abbreviations, poor grammar and disrespectful body language seems to have become the acceptable norm. How did we let it get so much out of hand? Teacher's nurture and mold young minds. Let us not forget that manners, effective communication and respect still need to be taught in the home while they are impressionable and a strong foundation can be effectively created.