The Art of Communication

The ability to communicate is a necessary skill for all students, not just those in a communications major. Many argue that this essential ability is being lost in the world of technology, texting and social networking. Our aptitude to dialogue face-to-face is being replaced by online communications which are less personal, void of emotive engagement and without any of the artful skills employed by body language and inflection. Traditionally these skills were honed in day to day interactions, around the dinner table, during classroom presentations and via debates. Although students still need these skills their opportunities to practice and learn them are rapidly declining, leaving many in a state of panic when it comes time to accept awards, defend a thesis or make a presentation.

The diminishing art of communication is also a loss unto itself. Great speechmakers of the past have inspired us, moved us, made us cry or led us through great revolutions and movements. The artistic loss is apparent but the loss in terms of human value is less so. Emotional desensitization is a real risk. When we don’t need to be present to confront the feelings we elicit in another person, we can become distant and unaccountable for our words and our actions. Where this will lead is debatable but it does not seem to be an entirely positive direction.

In order to compensate for the ease and distance of communications today, concerted efforts to hone dialogue and speaking skills are essential both within and without academia. Students and educators can support this by encouraging communications within the school systems; which take advantage of technology but which also enhance personal engagement. By maintaining communications as a necessary and valuable art form, students will not be shell shocked when the time does come for them to defend an argument, accept and award or make a presentation.