The Old Game of “Telephone”
Do you remember the old telephone game where one individual says something into another persons ear? They in turn repeat the message to another person. The message goes from one to another around the room until it comes back to the one who began. It is a great way to point out how we really listen and interpret what we are told. Little changes in wording can turn into BIG ones when the message is finished!
It amazes me how easy it is to wrongly communicate thoughts. Sometimes it is the choice of words that says something differently than what we really want to express. Other times, we use the wrong inflection in our voices and it changes the mood of what we really want to say. Then there are the times when our facial expressions or body language conflict with what we want to share.
With text messages people often say things hurriedly and things can really get messed up. Since different parts of the state, country, or world have phrases relevant to that particular area, things can be misinterpreted. It is also one of the reasons younger people may appear to be disrepectful. They have a language of their own that is not understand by older generations!
The Art of Communication can be fun. On Sunday mornings I often listen to a nationwide public radio show called a Way with Words. People call in and discuss how language has developed throughout history. It is fun to learn why we say things and their origin. Check it out, you might really like it.
Have a great day, Delight in Living!