The hardest thing to do is to actually communicate

This week began my COM 102 class and it is all about communication for the next five weeks.

Did you know that the hardest thing to do is to actually communicate? Did you know that studying communication isn't now cakewalk?

Well it's not and for the first week I am actually struggling with a couple of DQs (discussion questions). Now I'm not saying I'm not up to the task but this is not going to be a cakewalk.

So what is communication anyways you might ask?

Good question and here is a more up to date answer for you.

Communication is how we, as humans, correspond to each other. There are basically two types of communication: verbal and non-verbal.

Verbal communication is exactly what it sounds like. When you pick up the cell phone and call your mom, that's a verbal communication. When you are in a board meeting, a classroom or even at a coffee shop conversing, that's a verbal communication. Pretty much anything that has you using your voice, that's verbal.

Non-verbal communication can consist of anything from a text message to an email on where your club meeting will be. Non-verbal communication has pretty much taken over as far as how we communicate and/or interact with each other. As our society gets more and acclimated to using devices such as smart phones, pdas and mini notebooks. Even this blog is considered a non-verbal way of communications.

This class basically is breaking down communication and defining what language is. What the class is also doing is helping myself formulate a strategy on how to become a better communicator.

I'm sure many are saying, "You are a nationally known columnist. What can you learn?"

The answer is plenty.

Communication isn't just about having an A and B conversation; it is about also learning how to effectively negotiate when you are up for a raise; how negotiate an effective resolution to a squabble; how to successfully put together a press release that everyone can understand.

This should be an interesting five weeks and I'm looking forward to sharing the experiences with you.

But until then, stay tuned……