Insincerity

How often do any of us say something we do not mean? How often do we transform our face into a mask of seriousness to suggest we have vanquished any doubt we might have about an issue or topic? How often do we inject calm into our voice to demonstrate what we are about to say is truth produced by much thought and reflection? For some, the answer to these questions may be "never." Other might respond by saying "Once in a while." And still others - hopefully only a few - might shrug and confess to doing it a lot. From my own perspective, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who has never communicated anything they do not mean or believe.


Insincerity, no matter the reason behind it or the frequency with which it is put forth, is never not a venture down a dangerous path. It represents a conscious choice to tell a falsehood and deceive. Author George Orwell called it "the great enemy of clear language....a gap between one's real and one's declared aims." In the world of professional communication, it is a stake to the heart of forging a meaningful connection between individuals or publics. Any tie built on knowing deception is one condemned to, at best, a short lifespan; one who's demise is guaranteed to include anger, hurt and bitterness.


Insincerity creates problems, causes pain, makes matters worse. Nevertheless, it seems to be a regular part of our existence. For examples, an easy target might be politicians or members of the media who seem to have no problem about stretching the truth to win an argument. But more to the point, how about the neighbor who says they will take care of your mail while you are out of the town for the week and doesn't; or the parent who promises their child a treat and then does not provide it? Such day-to-day occurrences represent sincere examples of insincerity. To communicate effectively, one must remove insincerity from their arsenal.