Is Communication a Gift or a Craft?
Thinking about Independence Day and boy do I feel like a dummy.
It’s hard to believe that Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he penned the Declaration of Independence. His best friend/arch enemy John Adams wasn’t the only patriot who could deliver a stirring speech, nor was his wife Abigail the only woman in America whose everyday letters were a thing of literary beauty. Even the humble congregational deacon in those days could write a masterpiece with a simple diary entry.
This July fourth, I stand in childlike embarrassment when I think of these master patriot communicators. Though they may bungle a spelling on occasion, it’s noticeable how the colonial soul took great pains to make sure every word counted. Now compare that to the confusing e-mails you receive from your boss (“WHERE R U!!!??? :^>”), or the stammering speeches you hear from our politicians (“In these uhh troubling economic times ahh umm…”) or the uninspiring ramblings that come from the entertainment world.
Have we lost the art of articulation? And if so, why?
Well, there are the obvious culprits. Our education system today is vastly different than it was 200 years ago. And we’re a more informal society who for sure would laugh at anyone who dared talk like Alexander Hamilton; “Dear Sir, the sum of this blog is generally disagreeable with my prevailing sensibilities.” Yet I think there are basic disciplines we have ignored since grade school – like writing, reading (something other than People magazine), studying the classics, silence and the art of conversation. And…um…thinking before we open our big mouth.
I’m not saying we should try to impress people with our lofty vocabulary or Spurgeon-like oratory skills. After all, having something valuable to say is more important than artfully packaged fluff. And certainly there is still a remnant of brilliant writers and speakers today. But I can’t help but wonder if every person who calls themselves a gifted Christian communicator (speaker, author, media pro) would be far more effective if we spent a little more time learning how to communicate.
What do you think?
