Sunday, July 29, 2018

"The Word"

In the beginning, it was once written, is "the word." I believe that observation to be spot-on. After all, it is the word that describes our actions, intentions and reasons for doing whatever it is we are going to do. I am going out to dinner. I am going to work. I am going for a drive. Those statements and many like them words - though simple and direct - represent a pledge that sets forth our course of action that ultimately provides an outline by which we will be assessed as a person. Actions complement the word and, in part, define our level of competence. But it is "the word" around which all is measured. It is "the word" that establishes the clarity of our actions; "the word" that sheds light onto our souls.

In the profession of communication, those who make best use of "the word" are often viewed as being among the most effective in their field. Their ability to put words together in a certain way that provide all on the receiving end with clear understanding of meaning is what places them among the best at what they do. This, I should note, is not always easy. After all, the universe of words in which one has to work is limited much as the universe of musical notes in which composers write their songs is also limited.   

In making use of "the word," all of us begin from the same starting point. Each time we speak or write, we begin with access to the same amount of words as any one else, regardless of their level of experience, maturity, education or knowledge. It is not unlike a race where all the runners share the same starting line. At the same time, it is "the word" that defines and is used to describe how well we ran that race. Our actions are assessed and placed into context via "the word." This, then, puts "the word" at both the beginning and ending of our life-long journey. Words, then, are in many ways our most intimate companion.         

No comments: