Writing is Communication

by Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor

Communication is a wonderful thing and with today’s technology it is immediate and free.

 ~Brad Cisco

Over the years I have encountered problems in business due to poor communication or even the lack of it. I find it hard to understand why some businesses fail to communicate their plans, goals or missions to their employees. Lack of communication creates a vacuum which is quickly filled with readily available speculation or gossip.

Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee

Professional courtesy includes good communication skills. I have always said professional courtesy goes a long way, but the lack of it goes much further and involves many more people. One person fails to communicate and additional work is created which involves many people to resolve the problem created by one.   

Many times our family members fail to get their message across. Oscar Winning actress Emma Thompson, known in recent years for her creation of the Nanny McPhee stories and movies said, “Any problem, big or small, within a family, always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn't listening.”  Oh yes, listening is a part of communicating. It is the part of communicating we expect from the other party while we think our part is to speak and make ourselves clear. It takes both from each party to be successful. That is why we have a comment and reply button below. We want to hear from you. We do listen.

In recent years we have seen how disastrous things can become without proper communication. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said, “As everyone in Louisiana knows, there was often no communication or coordination between the state and federal government in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.” What a sad statement about a time when communication was of utmost importance.

Ralph Ellison

On the opposite end of the scale we see communication being productive. American author Ralph Ellison made the statement, “By and large, the critics and readers gave me an affirmed sense of my identity as a writer. You might know this within yourself, but to have it affirmed by others is of utmost importance. Writing is, after all, a form of communication.” Ellison needed the communication from critics and readers to confirm what he felt inside. We too need the affirmation of others.

If you choose not to write a vacuum is created, a vacuum which will be filled by the thoughts and stories of others. As you write practice proper professional courtesy in your craft. Listen as often as you speak. I don’t think I need to remind you of the two ears and one mouth analogy. Poor communication can be disastrous while proper communication can be affirming. Writing is communicating. Stay in touch…