The
concept of defining communication was very interesting to me. As the text
discusses it I get to ask myself how much definitions affect how we view the
world. As there are many ways to define communication, I found that the idea of
quantifying the definitions by adding descriptors, i.e. verbal or written
communication, helps the listener or reader to have a better idea of what the
speaker or writer is referring to.
Taking the
idea to the next step I see how important it is for us to have a strong vocabulary
in the language that we are communicating in. It helps us to understand what is
being said, as well as allow us to better respond to what is being said. I find
that many times, misunderstandings stem from a lack of vocabulary. While many
words have clearly defined meanings and concepts, there are also very many,
especially in English, that aren’t as clear.
We’ve
already covered how important early rhetorical scholars believed non-verbal
cues were in communication. Adding the proper use of context and making points
and statements as well defined for the listener as possible are also important.
Lastly is knowing the limitations of the audience, and communicating in ways
that they can understand that leave as little doubt as possible in the mind of
the audience as to what your message or point is.
I thought about this too, mainly because of how many different definitions there are for communication. It actually frustrated me more than helped me understand it because of the fact that there were so many... However, I do see your point about the definitions. English is such a complex language and the translation of many things seems to get lost. It is important to think of it in many ways because different cultures may rely more on verbal communication than non verbal. Having a number of ways to define communications and our preferred methods of it may bridge the cultural gap at times.
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