Continuous Compromise

Does one ever truly get their way? Does one get what they want without some form or act of compromise? I think not. This, I believe, represents the ultimate challenge of communication. We speak. We put forth our logic and perspective in the hope that it will lead to agreement or, at least, compliance. But in putting forth what we think and eve want, do we ever do so without any regard for our audience, surroundings or the understand ability of our message? I see the answer as being "no." Each of our communications is not without some degree of removing even a sliver of what we intend.

This compromise is seen in the form of the wods we use and the manner in which we communicate them. Do we shout? Do we whisper? Do we use humor? Do we appeal to the audience's intellect or emotions? Each choice, though often our own, is a knowing decision to take one course or strategy over another. How can I say what I want to say in a way others will be open to? To answer that question is to compromise. To answer that question represents giving up some of that which we create. We make this choice as we recognize it as a way to a desired end. What is the point, we realize, of communicating if what we put forth is neighbor received well or understand?

All this is compromise. To communicate effectively requires an acknowledgement of another's word choices, level of knowledge, historical and cultural background, and intellectual and emotional state. The conclusion we draw from calculating these variables perfectly illustrates the act of giving up a little to get a lot as is defined by us. Simply put, we do this all the time. Continuous compromise. It is so ingrained within us that we compromise when we communicate without even realizing it. This does apply to professional communicators but to so-called "regular folks" as well.we may communicate what we want, but not without some attempt to do it in a way others want, too.