Interpersonal Comm 101
Suzette Elgin wrote a very interesting book in the 1970s called, The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense. It offers a piece of communication advice that has stuck with me a long time. "Whenever you talk with someone, assume, at least temporarily, that he or she is telling the truth." (or perhaps, the truth as they know it). I think this advice is vital because:
1. They might be telling you the truth and you'll miss it;
2. The practice will improve your listening skills;
3. If you listen well, it will enhance your credibility;
4. This practice respects the humanity, if not the Imago Dei, in the other person;
5. Unless you listen well, how can you judge whether they are not telling the truth?
6. You can always make the call on the validity of their "talk" after all the facts are in instead of rushing to judgment, which seems to be pandemic in this culture.
1. They might be telling you the truth and you'll miss it;
2. The practice will improve your listening skills;
3. If you listen well, it will enhance your credibility;
4. This practice respects the humanity, if not the Imago Dei, in the other person;
5. Unless you listen well, how can you judge whether they are not telling the truth?
6. You can always make the call on the validity of their "talk" after all the facts are in instead of rushing to judgment, which seems to be pandemic in this culture.
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