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Common Communication Pitfalls and How You Can Avoid Them
The science of dialogue: how David Bohm and Stever Robbins’ Approaches lead to effective communication
I’ve always preferred communicating face-to-face, which might seem like an odd statement coming from a professional writer. But, I didn’t start out in the arts as a writer. My first work was as a stage actor, where communication between the cast, crew, and audience forms a unique tide.
As a writer, I’ve discovered a problem: written communication is one-way. When people interact with my writing, they bring their own opinions and interests, and aren’t likely to change their mind, nor are they likely to engage in a meaningful conversation where they lay themselves bare. At best, they might try to engage in classical argumentation, which is a form of communication I’ve always disliked.
When I think of how I interact with the written word, I am also not likely to change my mind based solely on one written opinion. Sometimes, I might be spurred to investigate further, and I consider that to be a win. There are times when I’ll encounter an idea that sends me off in an ecstatic surge of learning and self-growth… but that’s because I’ve spent years trying to be the sort of person who will learn new things.
