Not For Neatniks

One big reason why communication is so fascinating is because it is not one thing. There is not just one way to communicate. To cite some broad categories: body language, written words, expression, verbal sounds, movement, and even silence. Within each of these one finds numerous sub-categories and variations. Collectively, this adds to communication's many complexities. As if that weren't enough, there is also the matter of difference within each sub-category. A sub-category of body language, for instance, might be slouching. Differences within that sub-category would be found in how much and even how often a person slouches.

Another example would be language. Hundreds of languages are spoken in the world and all of them have formal rules as to which people in a formal and properly-correct manner. At the same time, each language possesses a slang or informal way to speak. People tend to go back and forth between the two depending upon the setting or context in which they are speaking. This adds to the complexity that is communication. Further, it points to the notion that one cannot necessarily fit communication in one box. The result is communication often is a bit messy. It is not for Neatniks. To communicate is to allow a certain level of imbalance and messiness into one's life.

Generally, people understand this. As it is something we all do every moment of our days, my own sense is the reality of communication's irregularities are seen as an element of life itself. It goes beyond liking or disliking. People simply accept it. We go with the flow of one moment hearing a person speak in eloquent ways and then minutes later swear like a sailor. It is people being inconsistent on a regular basis. It is people existing within the framework of communication's variety of playing fields. Not for neatniks indeed. The best communicators include those able to navigate those fields or layers.