15 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Finding a Common Vocabulary

I have been on a frustrating job hunt. One that has me reading hundreds if not thousands of job descriptions and in so doing I realize we all bring our own meaning to the table each and every time we communicate. Too often we assume a common vocabulary specifically of commonly used terms. We rarely ask for clarification of words like great or wonderful or excellent when speaking to each other and so we don't when we read want ads, report cards and personal notes. I can think of the profound language I have used that has provoked the response," what do you mean by that?". When I have espoused ad nauseum about the dearth of rain this solstice I might be asked for clarification. Yet when I say the book I just was read was excellent most do not ask what is meant by that. In fact the next time they are asked to recommend a book, though they have not yet read it ,they will say that my mentioned title was excellent. There are specific words that stand out for me as danger zones. If you ask someone how things are and they say fine, run for cover. There are only a few things that are good when fine and that is Fine dining, Fine wine, Fine china and Fine jewelry. So how do we find this common vocabulary and why do we need it.

My first introduction to the common usage problem came when my children were in elementary school. Though extremely well educated and otherwise worldly my days for some time had consisted of play groups and circle time. Left to my own devices I did not feel in anyway incompetent to interpret the first report cards home. They were unlike anything I had seen before and to think just a few years before I had graduated with a degree in education. Where grades used to appear there were four columns, titled never, sometimes, consistently and always. The developer of the system had given me the courtesy of providing definitions of what those terms meant. Each card that came home had a check in the always box and a lovely statement about what a well mannered and caring citizen that I had sent to school. I never questioned myself or my prodigies. We studied hard, traveled extensively, and played geography games in our spare time. They were read to nightly almost without exception. Every school conference I went to was an exercise in glorification. We had done it. They were the golden children! In 7th grade I had an eye opening epiphany at parent night while sitting in a student desk that was cutting

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for encouraging effective communication?
We want to hear your view. Write now!