The Art of Communication
Written and spoken words hold weight. Be it at work or in our personal lives, we all wish to learn the art of using words for effective communication. Our nature reflects in the way we engage with the world around us, and how we communicate with others in important part of this.
As we put our words out to the world, their articulation stimulates and impacts our own mind too. If we are in the habit of communicating well, our mind naturally settles and organizes itself for meaningful and appropriate expression even in challenging situations. In the lack of such training, we may not choose the best words possible and communicate in a style that we may regret. A calm and clear mind articulates statements having a smooth and pleasing flow.
The most miraculous of the five senses is our tongue. It gives the power of speech, gives us the ability to taste and gives the experience of touch. Thus, it does the function of three senses. One who has wrong speech gets beaten everywhere. The one with well-articulated pure speech has immense power in his words.
Sharing important tips for effective communication:
- Express yourself by striking a harmony between philosophy, science, and behaviour or practical considerations. We are naturally drawn to those who walk their talk. If your statements are vague or impractical, they do not draw attention no matter how much you try share some philosophical truths. Seeing all three facets of philosophy, logic or science behind something, and their practical application, convinces our mind automatically.
- Be aware of the time, place and situation when you wish to communicate something. Several problems crop up when we are not mindful of who we are speaking with or the environment we are in. Much of the discord and chaos on social media platforms is born out lack of such awareness. People are anonymous so there is no accountability for foul interactions, many could be going through personal struggles, venting or could just be frogs in a well talking about a world they have never really experienced in real life.
- Our traditional methodology of giving discourses leaves no room for extra statements that add no substance, or incomplete expression that leave the listener wondering. Similarly, our scriptures do not have a word extra or a word less. Every word, phrase and statement must be wholesome. This makes our communicating influential.
- There is always a lack of time and attention in current times. People do not have the ability for exploring various topics or attending to long sermons. Speak less but make it strong. Your words must give the ease of focus and offer the potential of deep contemplation on the subject matter.
- While communicating we must use examples that are easy to understand for everyone. Give examples that your readers or listeners can relate to.
- Although, it has been an old-school way of teaching of some, the use of swearwords is considered abhorrent and impure. It must be avoided. Thinking about, and verbalizing abuses weakens our mind. It certainly does not make our communication great or reveal anything praiseworthy about us.
- The art of subtle communication is highly recommended. Use language that indicates towards the truth (what you wish to convey). Yes, “indicates” – which means you are just hinting towards some big topic you wish to engage on. Speaking the truth directly is crude. We do not call a blind man blind. Refined expression is superior and is even pleasing to our Gods.
- Here is the tough one, but particularly important for the seekers of truth. Your speech must not create disturbance in the minds of others, it must be truthful but not expressing the bitter truth, at the same time the speech must facilitate the welfare of the listener. Our speech must be gentle and helpful for oursleves and others. At times, people only respond to harsh speech (or in exceptional roles as a teacher/parent or boss it may be required at times). However, try to keep your language as disciplined as possible.
Never underestimate the power of words. That which is beyond words or the Supreme Truth is also reached through words. A seeker of truth, who abides by truthfulness develops the ability to manifest through his speech.
Try to apply the above ways of communication in your life and observe the changes. People are selling books and courses on ways to communicate. We Hindus have all this knowledge available to us through our rich heritage. What is presented in this article is just the tip of the iceberg and yet can make a world of a difference.
Did you know? As per our ancient wisdom, the regular study of scriptures and consuming milk and ghee are known to enhance the power of our speech (vaak-shakti).
