Awareness to our Communications

If you would like to have an excellent example of how complex our communications are in today's world take a look at the chapter, "Staying Out of Court and Out of Trouble," in Dr. Suzette Haden Elgin's book, "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work."

Even tho the initial premise of that chapter deals with Sexual Harassment in work environment I found the underlying meaning to be that in any confrontation your communications could mean the difference between violent responses to non-violent and beneficially positive responses.

In self-defense, from my view and understanding, what you say along side what your body says can make the difference. You should remember that the one you perceive as a possible threat will be judging you as you judge them by the nonverbal communications, the context, and many other subjective factors that will determine how the interaction will proceed.

I have found that all Dr. Elgin's books are relevant to learning better communication skills and that they are effective in all situations where two humans communicate be it verbal or by other means, i.e. written, etc. Once again I can see why Mr. Rory Miller made such a recommendation on this in a bibliography.  I, personally, am finding all her gentle art of verbal self defense books beneficial in bringing awareness to my personal communication skills. I have a lot to learn and practice - a good thing.

Bibliography:
Elgin, Dr. Suzette Haden.
"The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense."
"More on The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense."
"The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work."
"The Gentle Art of Written Self-Defense."
"The Last Word on the Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense."
Prentice Hall Press. New York. Various publication dates.

Her Web Site is here...