Communication: Tool for Unity

The world now is a big hub of modern technology and of anything that’s instant. Even people’s communication with each other becomes overwhelming in such a way that they exchange “Thank Yous” and “I love Yous” in an instantaneous manner despite being miles away. The emergence of social media and social networking sites truly marks a promising effect to people, especially to the youth, as it helps them connect with people from different walks of life. It becomes a challenge in upholding sincerity and union whether people communicate verbally or in any possible ways.

In an article published in Lifehack.org, DragosRoua presents few basic communication tips for a successful conversation with a fellow. The author suggests “never to start a sentence if you don’t know how it ends.” It is important to mean what you say and know exactly how it will turn out before putting words. In other words, get rid of impulsivity and think before you speak. Next, people must remember that in a conversation, “there’s no right or wrong.” Dragos says that being right or wrong is a mental construct.

“We’re moving through life continuously, our own personalities may change over time and we’re constantly changing context and situations. What’s right here today may change tomorrow and what’s acceptable as true in your culture may be completely forbidden in another one,” he posted. Hence, one must consider that sincere interaction will always last for years. Lastly, remember that “listening is always more valuable than talking.” A conversation with 70 percent talking and 30 percent listening is perhaps a wasted time. Sincere communication comes with sincere listening. It is when people appreciates and accepts what the other party says. Therefore, there is a union despite sameness and differences in opinions.

As the church celebrates the 47th World Communications Sunday, it is always worthy to communicate the word of God to others whether people relay it verbally or through technology. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said in his message for the celebration:

“I would like to offer you some reflections on an increasingly important reality regarding the way in which people today communicate among themselves. I wish to consider the development of digital social networks which are helping to create a new “agora”, an open public square in which people share ideas, information and opinions, and in which new relationships and forms of community can come into being… The exchange of information can become true communication, links ripen into friendships, and connections facilitate communion. If the networks are called to realize this great potential, the people involved in them must make an effort to be authentic since, in these spaces, it is not only ideas and information that are shared, but ultimately our very selves.”

By April Rica H. Laput & Jecy Opada

References:
Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the 47th World Communications Day
5 Simple and Obvious Tips for Better Communication