Interaction – The Art of Communication

Man is a social animal. We all have been taught this since our early days. Human nature is to communicate. No one amongst us can live alone.  We need to let our feelings out in the form of words either verbal or written.

Words come back to you. Social interaction (or, as it is sometimes called, symbolic interaction) refers to the fact that the relationships among two or more groups or human beings are never one-sided, purely physical, or direct.

This world is a cobweb of people’s sayings and deeds. The media, newspapers, magazines etc are filled with who said and did what, when and where.

By the time a message reaches us through different people and media, we can never imagine the extent to which it has already been distorted. Quotes get usually misquoted.

We as grown-ups need to realize the difference between communication and miscommunication.

As the part of a communication drill in a Management school, all students were sent out of the classroom. One student was called in at a time and secretly given ‘a message’ and was asked to secretly pass it on to the other.

This process was repeated until ‘the message’ reached the last participant. At the end of the drill, it was revealed to everyone’s surprise that ‘the message’ was totally altered and now, meant exactly opposite to the initial quote.

The Importance of Silence

Silence, at times plays a very vital role in combating stressful situations. When in anger, we tend to shout, scream out our point forcefully. Our ego, in such a situation gets inflated to such an extent that even a pin-prick makes us burst on the other person.

Keep your ego small. Cut it to its size. Remember, there is a fine demarcation between ego and self-esteem. Realize this.

If you have a tendency to get angry easily, try to speak less and on a lower pitch. Practice ‘Pranayama.’ It is very helpful in overcoming stress. Try to seek positivity in everything around (even in bitter words). If nothing else, bitter words at least offer experience. Remember, whatever happens, happens for good.

Being an Efficient Communicator

Whenever we interact with someone, they respond with a certain emotion. When we misbehave or insult somebody we bring out their anger. When we praise or appreciate, we bring out their pride. When we behave in a friendly manner, we bring out substantial affection from the individual’s heart.

It is always to be kept in mind not to trespass into an individual’s ego territory under any circumstance.

We often see a tiff between teenagers and parents over petty issues. Parents complain that their child does not listen to them. This gap in communication is often termed as ‘Generation Gap.’ But as they say, ‘Nobody manufactures a lock without a key. There is a solution to every problem.’

Tell your child the right way to do things once (at the most, twice) but there is no point in trying to force them into your choice. Every child learns as they grow.

If they are not ready to learn from your experiences, let them have their own. They are just a soul, whose responsibility has been given to you by the Almighty, for their upbringing. If they are shy or outspoken, it is just their way of interacting with the world.

An effective communicator should be a good listener as well. For an interaction to be effective and fruitful, appreciate your partner, listen to criticism calmly, learn from it to overcome your shortcomings. Do not try to overpower the dialogue. Put forward your points but sum up the talk with praise from them too.

Conclusion – Social Interaction

Biological factors provide a strong foundation for language acquisition, but an infant’s social interaction with others is absolutely necessary if language is to develop properly.

Remember, sweet memories are cherished for a lifetime while bitter ones become an aching sore.