I, 21st Century Communicator

BY HAZELLE ANNE MILAN

As a 21st century communicator, language is a tool for everything; this is one of the key points that I’ve learned in this class. Language can be verbal and non-verbal, both of which play an important role for every person with regards to communication. A simple gesture can change the context or purpose of communicating to others – even when no one has said anything. Every word and gesture is important, especially how terms are placed in each sentence because it can change the approach on communication. In this perspective, it’s important how one should construct a message. Once the message goes out, the writer can only hope that the reader is able to understand what he/she was trying to relay.

With respect to such constructs, it is equally important on how someone should have the ability to decode a message as close as possible to the original message for them to not come across misunderstandings and conflicts. I’ve seen in people and in myself, the tendency to misinterpret the context of a message, which is potentially dangerous as lies. Along with this, I’ve learned to compare sources and relate it to the events that transpired in our society – both the good and the bad. This is to ensure that bias can be minimized as much as possible.

Feedbacks are equally important for change and improvements in communication – how else will we be able to see if something is wrong with the message or not? Each feedback can make or break someone’s perspective on a certain topic. With each word and gesture, someone can be persuaded, voluntarily or not, as well as getting rejected or ignored. Along with persuasion, I’ve learned on the types of approaches on persuasion. Influencing can be done through morals and ethics(ethos), logic (logos), and emotions (pathos) – all of which play an important role in communication. I’ve also picked up the fact that most people are easily swayed by pathos or emotions. Even when logistics and ethics are served on the table, it’s hard to say if the person you’re talking to will be able to broaden their horizons on other topics. This is another reason why being critical on all sides of the story is important to get closer to the truth rather than trusting one source of information.

Bearing all of this in mind, as a 21st Century communicator, it is important to think before everything else. To be sharp on each topic as well as finding sources that are based on facts and evidence, to encourage people to think like the artists who relay their thoughts with non-verbal messages through their paintings and imagery. To be able to use symbols that will help on expressing words to the audience without the use of voice or text. To be able to respond in ways that are appropriate and encouraging as well as to act accordingly with the values that I’ve instilled upon myself and the ones that I’ve accepted from others. When all else fails – a simple word, gesture, image or text that has been well thought-out can give the greatest impacts.