COMMUNICATION !

Do we say what we mean, and do we mean what we say? Miscommunication between human beings has always been since the first civilization on earth “Mesopotamia – now Iraq” - the main reason behind wars, conflicts, divorce, fights, or any sort of destruction!

In spite the fact that man has created plenty of channels to communicate specially after the 2nd globalization “the invention of the internet” through emails, smart phones, and social media, but still we, most of the time, miscommunicate what we really want to imply, therefore I feel it is extremely important to clarify the types of communication. ?

There are four types of communication we can use to connect; I will explain each one of them separately so anyone can realize which one to use according to the situation.

DISCUSSION: this can be conducted between two individuals or even two groups of people, each person or group explain their point of view to the other side without a goal, there is no result, no audience to judge, each one listens to the other point of view without having a winner at the end. We can see this type of communication with brain storming sessions, in conferences, UN meetings and family gatherings. If discussion is a stand-alone process without a second stage of communication, then it is a waste of time and energy. During the era of the “Byzantium”, philosophers were spending their time having this sort of communication and most of the time it was in vain.

DEBATE: This is the most controversial type of communication, it is between two groups, while there must be a representative to speak on behalf of each group. Having an audience is imperative because these two representatives are not addressing each other, they address the audience, the judge. The goal for the debate is not to show who is right rather than to show to the audience that the other party is wrong. Debate can be found in the “US presidential elections”, Parliaments and unfortunately in courts.

NEGOTIATION: This type of communication is the most effective and healthy one, it is my favorite, it occurs between two individuals, there is no audience to judge, but there is a goal, someone must win, and the funny part is that the two parties must be a winner otherwise it will change to be a discussion. We can see this clearly in sales meetings, board meetings, peace-making meetings, budget review meetings and council of ministers.

ARGUE: ?This is the worst type of communication, it happens between two individuals or groups, no audience, no judge except ego, no goal and no one listens to the other point of view, it is to show the other that “I am right, and you are wrong”, you can find this type of communication between husband and wife.