Just My Two Cents

Just My Two Cents

Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. - Brian Tracy 

     Communication may consequently be the most important activity of the human body next to breathing. It is the exchange of information between people, e.g. by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behavior.  Communication is transferring information between one person and another. We can pass on our messages through speaking, writing, and gestures.

A simple smile,

 A frown, 

rolling of your eyes,

 and a mere pat on the back are some of the means of relaying our messages, thoughts and feelings to the people around us. We can also express it through 

a dance, 

an Art,

 Music,

 painting, 

and sculptures. 

Mechanical signs such as the traffic light or display of airplanes in formation are also illustrations of Communication, as it includes 

jewelry,

 cars, 

clothing, and other things to communicate social status, financial means, influence, or religion.    

Communication is a skill as it is interactive. We can become skilled at the four areas of communication that would empower our confidence and personality. Our Listening, Questioning, Clarifying & Responding skills are recognized, and our potentials will then be realized.

Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. -Jim Rohn

    This semester, I'm teaching World Literature and Speech & Oral communication. One of my students’ requirements is to start up a blog. Imposing this is not a piece of cake for I’d have to consider their limitations and resources so as not to add up to their daily usual expenses. As of date, half of my students’ population signed up for a blog site (that gave them 50 bonus points for doing so). It is heartwarming as it is equally rewarding to see them converge creativity & focus as they manage their blog site by customizing the lay-out, and editing their corrected entries. Encouraging them to write and express their thoughts, feelings, frustrations, anger, happiness, and words in writing is equally gratifying as seeing your own blog soaring with followers and a lofty page views in a day.

 I started up a blog some 5 years ago and I have to say that I’m an occasional visitor of my own blog site. It is said that “You cannot give what you don’t have”. What could be a better way of imposing enthusiasm than indulging my way back to writing? I am neither an excellent writer nor a flawless & creative blogger; my page is boring and I never was an amiable raconteur.  (see blog site for more info) However, finding my way into my students’ newly constructed blog sites made me beam with pride as I see them getting busy in working on their entries (assignments, projects) and consciously raking their wits as they work on their impressive backgrounds and lay-outs. I feel good knowing that as of this time, their hours spent in Facebook-ing are minimal from the day they started up blogging.

“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user. “ -Bill Gates 

As Communication comes into contact with every aspect of our lives, it is imperative and is necessary to develop quality interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Learning how to understand , appreciate, and enhance communication will perk up relationships with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones that will eventually improve physical, spiritual and emotional health and well being.

I’m living in a world far from my family. My elder sister is happily living in San Pablo with her brooding minions, while my Nanay and my 2 younger sisters are in NY. Thanks to SUN and magicJack, they make our lives easier with the limitless call (here & abroad) deal that they offer. I may not have a constant tête-à-tête with them but I know that I can effortlessly communicate with them anytime without difficulty. They may be a world away, but talking to them once in a while and venting out pieces and events of my day gives me the comfort that I always have them whenever I need them. Missing on the equation is my Father; as to where he is and what happened with the world are two different stories. It pains me to go into that place where I would have to tarnish a tear on the yellow dress that I’m wearing now.  The fact that this paper is all about communication, and I’m coursing my thoughts deliberately on the matter is just Ironic; as this element is the only thing that’s stopping me from being “the most happy” like Anne Boleyn. 

Note: This journal entry is in compliance with my English 203 (Advance Speech and Public Speaking) Class (Graduate School). As I end this note, allow me to share my mantra of which I disclose to all my students… and feel free to share your thoughts on this:

“It’s Not What You Say; It’s How You Say It”