Being more plastic elastic

The rules of communication are not like the laws of physics. In communication the rules are plastic, elastic.

Communication isn’t governed by the unbreakable laws of physics. In physics, you have constants—unchangeable, rigid rules that dictate how the universe operates. Gravity pulls you down, the speed of light remains a steadfast limit, and energy can't be created or destroyed. These are fixed, predictable, and absolute. But communication? That’s an entirely different beast. The rules of communication aren’t etched in stone; they’re plastic, elastic, and ever-changing, bending and stretching to fit the context, the audience, and the moment.

Think about it: in one conversation, you’re cracking jokes with a friend, speaking in shorthand and shared references that only the two of you understand. In the next, you’re in a boardroom, choosing your words carefully, presenting your ideas with precision. The tone, the language, the approach—all of it shifts depending on where you are and who you’re talking to. This adaptability is the essence of communication. It’s fluid, not fixed. What works in one context might fail miserably in another, and that’s the beauty of it. Communication rules aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re tailored, customized, and endlessly flexible.

This plasticity means that the rules of communication can be reshaped, reformed to suit the moment. You don’t communicate with your team the same way you do with your clients. The approach you take in a crisis is different from the one you’d use in a casual chat. Every situation demands its own set of rules, and as communicators, we adjust on the fly, instinctively molding our language, tone, and body language to fit the circumstances. It’s not about adhering to a rigid set of guidelines; it’s about reading the room, understanding the dynamics, and responding accordingly.

But communication is not just plastic—it’s elastic too. It stretches to accommodate different interpretations, feedback, and even misunderstandings. When we communicate, we’re not just exchanging words; we’re exchanging meanings, emotions, and intentions. And just like a rubber band, communication can stretch to cover gaps in understanding or to bridge differences in perspective. This elasticity is what allows communication to be resilient. It bends without breaking, adapting to the natural flow of conversation and the unpredictable nature of human interaction.

Consider this: you say something that doesn’t quite land the way you intended. Maybe it’s a joke that falls flat, or a point that’s misunderstood. In a rigid system, this would be a failure—a breakdown in communication. But in an elastic system, there’s room to recover, to clarify, to rephrase. Communication, when it’s elastic, allows for missteps and course corrections. It’s a process, not a one-time event, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

This flexibility in communication rules has profound implications. It means that effective communication isn’t about rigidly following a script but about being attuned to the nuances of each situation. It’s about being adaptable, responsive, and ready to shift gears when needed. It’s about understanding that the rules aren’t fixed—they’re there to be bent, stretched, and reshaped as necessary.

Empathy plays a crucial role here. To communicate effectively, we need to stretch our understanding to encompass the perspectives of others, to anticipate how our words might be received, and to adjust our approach in real-time. This requires flexibility not just in how we express ourselves but also in how we listen and respond. It’s a two-way street, a dialogue, not a monologue.

Communication is an art form, not a science. Sure, there are techniques and strategies that can improve our ability to communicate, but there’s no formula that guarantees success in every situation. Like an artist shaping clay or a musician improvising a melody, effective communicators are those who can adapt their approach, who understand that the rules are fluid and are comfortable navigating the gray areas where intuition and creativity come into play.

And let’s not forget about authenticity. While we adapt our communication to fit different contexts, it’s essential to remain true to our core values and intentions. The elasticity of communication allows for adaptation, but it should never stretch so far that it breaks our connection to our true selves. Authenticity is the anchor that keeps our communication grounded, even as we adjust our approach to fit the moment.

In the end, recognizing the plastic and elastic nature of communication frees us from the constraints of rigid, one-dimensional thinking. It encourages us to be more flexible, more responsive, and more attuned to the ever-changing dynamics of human interaction. Communication isn’t governed by unyielding laws but by a set of rules that we shape and reshape as we engage with others. This fluidity is what makes communication both challenging and endlessly fascinating—it’s a dance, a dialogue, an ongoing process of connection and understanding that’s as unique and varied as the individuals involved. By embracing the plasticity and elasticity of communication, we open ourselves to more meaningful, effective, and authentic interactions in every aspect of our lives.