Responsible Communicator Cares For Others
by
Dr. Mitch Carnell, Jr.

"Loose lips sink ships."

This World War II adage reminds us of just how important communication can be.

President Bush has been irate about information that has been leaked that might give assistance to our nation's enemies in the war of terrorism.

We are all aware of the destructive potential of gossip.

Being a responsible communicator entails more than just telling the truth although that is fundamental. Where we say what we say, how we say it and to whom are all part of the mix. Our attitude is an inseparable part of our responsibility.

The late Bennett Murray, an excellent communicator himself, often reminded me that people who communicate easily often intimidate those who do not.

It is a great temptation for those of us with good communication skills to trample on the rights of those who struggle with the process.

Many of us use our platform to belittle and dishonor our opponents. We constantly find fault. We use our communication to destroy rather than build. We refuse to listen with an open mind. When we refuse to listen or pretend to listen, we are sending a message that says, you are not worth my time.

Active listening is a vital part of being a responsible communicator. Listening is a powerful tool to empower people or humiliate them.

Words once spoken cannot be called back. We can apologize for them, but we can't undo the damage. Words are powerful weapons for good or evil. A responsible communicator chooses his/her words carefully and does her/his dead level best to convey the message as accurately as possible.

If one is to be a responsible communicator, there are times when he/she must speak either to prevent a great wrong from taking place or to keep the rights of those who have no voice from being trampled.

The responsible communicator does not manipulate others. Being an excellent communicator and being a responsible one are not the same. Hitler was an excellent communicator as were David Karesh, Jim Jones and Joseph McCarthy.

Billy Graham has been called the nation's pastor. Why? He is reputed to be a superb listener. He chooses his words carefully. He sets out the perspective from which he speaks. He treats those who disagree with him with respect.

Although he has exemplary communication skills and enormous prestige he does not employ them to beat down others.

Being a responsible communicator is much harder than being a skilled communicator. The rewards are immeasurable benefiting not only the individual but also society as a whole.