Clear Communication

Updated 8/15/08

Clear communication is hard to come by. I say that because communication is difficult of itself; to be understood is not an easy thing. If you think so, I'm guessing you're hard to be understood.

I speak of clear communication not only in the sense of knowing what it takes to be clear, but also and especially in the sense of respecting those with whom you exchange ideas. How many times have you talked with someone who doesn't seem to come up for air. He may take a breath and you might try to insert something helpful, but he's off and running again...it's unending. He's (could be a she too) pretty much full of himself.

God is the greatest communicator of all and of all time, from time immemorial, from eternity past to eternity future. His reason for living is to help others, to give to others, to save others. He is the truest brother's keeper. He keeps us when we forget Him. He protects us when no one else does. He never talks against us. He always supports us. That is the character of a clear communicator.

There are so many good books out there on the subject of good communication, primarily from college book stores. You might shy away from that suggestion because education takes work. But if you want to be a good communicator, you've got to research the best in the business. Then go to God and His Word and study how Christ communicated with those that said they loved Him and those that didn't. This is exciting stuff!

May you have a great communicative weekend.~jwa~MA/Ph.D Communication

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The Meaning of Meaning

Updated 6/20/08

The note I wrote on 6/12/08 is so much a favorite topic of mine that I thought about writing more about it. However, I will offer something a little different in order to broaden our education in the wonderful arena and world of communication. I've said this before and I'll say it again, communication is second only to God's Word and without communication, you and I couldn't understand what God is doing on this earth and how that specifically involves you.

There's a good scholarly text on meaning written by Charles Ogden and I.A. Richards (an oldie but a goodie), "The Meaning of Meaning." This is what one scholar said about the book: "Language is the most important of all the instruments of civilization." The authors state this premise boldly in their preface to "The Meaning of Meaning," a classic work whose significance--and challenge--to the study of language, literature, and philosophy has remained undiminished since its original publication.

Much about language continues to be only hazily understood, distorted by our habitual attitude--often one of indifference--toward words, or by lingering assumptions based on discredited theories. What IS the relationship between words and what the words refer to? Between words and the way we think? Can understanding such matters lead to greater precision in communication? Readers considering these questions find themselves at the crossroads of linguistics and communications theory, of literary criticism and philosophy--an interdisciplinary nexus claimed by the increasingly influential field of semiotics--and "The Meaning of Meaning" will prove, as it has over the last six decades, an essential resource"(see Amazon.com, go to "The Meaning of Meaning").

I realize that most people aren't interested in or don't care about whether the words they use--in a conversation or even attempting to complete a business transaction--are important. And that just proves my point as to why knowing that both you and your communicant agree on the meanings of similar words. Miss this and you will continue to stumble on through life wondering why this or that person is so ignorant. Who's ignornant if we don't give a hoot whether someone else understands the meanings we give to the words we use to convey thought? How can we "get ahead" in life with this perspective?

If you want to be understood, listen to the other person's response to you to see if he or she really understands you and the meanings you give to the words you use. Get some good feedback like, "Was I clear on that last point?," or, "Does this make sense to you?" or "What are your thoughts on the matter?" I'm assuming that you care enough about the other person to serve him or her in some good communicative way. Do these things and you will benefit greatly in your daily communicative activities. I wish you the very best that life has to offer.

Have a great weekend.~jwa

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JWAust.com hits are rising because of the Alan Colmes interview on Easter

Updated 3/24/08

I am happy to report that visits to JWAust.com over the past two weeks have been phenomenal. Thanks for your visits and I hope you'll return again, often. I also thank Alan Colmes for the opportunity to offer the controversial truths of the Bible. As one man put it years ago, "God's truth will rock and sock your world!" And for those that don't yet know it, regarding what God is preparing to do on this earth, "you ain't seen nothin' yet."

I'm now at 30,000 hits over the past two weeks, which for me is high. Very encouraging.

I hope you'll also visit www.gnmagazine.org and www.ucg.org if you desire any magazines, booklets, or other material, free of charge and without any follow-up. We want to serve you.

May God bless you to understand His plan on this earth.~jwa