Common Communication Faux Pas

"Speak only if it improves upon the silence."- Mahatma Gandhi

Communication: Exchanging information, thoughts, ideas, and feelings between individuals or groups

Phrase: A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.

Faux Pas: In French it translates as "false step.” A mistake made in a social context.

The History of Communication: ?While some animals exhibit complex communication systems, such as the sophisticated vocalizations of dolphins or the varied alarm calls of primates, these systems do not match the complexity, versatility, and abstract nature of human language. Thus, verbal articulation, along with other aspects of language, plays a crucial role in distinguishing human communication from that of other species. Why digress?? The intent and motivation of communication should be of the highest importance. Even the purest of intent may be besmirched by Common Faux Pas.?

Communication Faux Pas are quite common. For example, when a sentence begins “To Be Honest.” This frames the communication and message with a subtle, even subconscious, implication that the communication to follow is now more truthful than previous conveyances. At its best, “To Be Honest” is a redundancy making the proclamation unnecessary. At its worst it is untruthful.

Words carry and convey energy manifesting in various forms: Thought, Emotion, Sound. Communication Faux Pas create a perception of insincerity undermining the speaker’s credibility and the strength of their message, both good and bad.?

Sincere Communication creates Clarity.?

Clarity is Kindness.

Problematic & Paradoxical Phrases

No Offense, But

This phrase often precedes a statement that is likely to be offensive, and saying "No Offense" doesn’t usually soften the impact but rather conveys a level of disingenuousness.

With All Due Respect

This indication of disagreement is condescending and lacks that which it claims to offer.

Not to be Rude, But

Paradoxically, a sign that impolite commentary is forthcoming.

Just Saying

A perfunctory and unessential phrase some use to downplay a controversial or blunt statement.

It Is What It Is

A redundant proclamation since all things are what they are, this low vibration phrase is an indication of resignation and dismissal.?

No Problem

Conveys the probability of problems.

"When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new." -Dalai Lama