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The Art of Communication

We usually associate communication with ways in which people use messages to share meanings across contexts, cultures, and channels. Here, let's use what we know about external communication to become more aware of internal communication, between your head, heart and hands. 

  • Do ONE of the following:
    1. For one day, keep a log in which you describe your communication activities. Keep track of the time and different ways you spend communicating, such as talking person-to-person, listening to teachers or the radio, watching television, using social media, reading books and other print media, and using any electronic communication device. In your journal, share what your log reveals about the importance of communication in your life. Think of ways in which you communicate with yourself; what kinds of media do you have to communicate with your thoughts, your emotions and your body?
    2. For three days, keep a journal of your listening experiences. Identify one example of each of the following. Then, in your journal, share what was like when you listened for different purposes:
      1. To obtain information
      2. To be persuaded
      3. To appreciate or enjoy something
      4. To understand someone's feelings
    3. In a small-group setting, meet with family or with friends. Have them share personal stories about significant events in their lives that affected them in some way. Take note of how each person participates in the group discussion and how effectively they communicate their stories. Pay special attention to how people communicate thoughts, feelings and activities. If you notice that people are not communicating thoughts, feelings or actions, ask penetrating questions, like "You have shared how you felt about it. Would you mind sharing something about how you felt, then what you did?"
    4. List as many ways as you can think of to communicate with others (face-to-face, by telephone, letter, email, text messages, and so on). For each type of communication, share an instance when that method might not be appropriate or effective.
  • Do ONE of the following:
    1. Think of a creative way to describe yourself using, for example, a collage, short story or autobiography, drawing or series of photographs, or a song or skit. Using the aid you created, make a presentation about yourself.
    2. Choose a concept, product, or service in which you have great confidence. Build a sales plan based on its good points. Try to persuade someone else to agree with, use, or buy your concept, product, or service. After your sales talk, discuss how persuasive you were and why.
    3. Write a five-minute speech that focuses on thoughts, feelings or actions exclusively. Give it at a meeting of a group. 
    4. Develop a plan to teach a skill or inform someone about something. Prepare teaching aids for your plan. Carry out your plan. 
      1. Write to the editor of a magazine or your local newspaper to express your opinion or share information on any subject you choose. Send your message by fax, email, or regular mail.
      2. Create a Web page or blog of special interest to you (for instance, your troop or crew, a hobby, or a sport). Include at least three articles or entries and one photograph or illustration, and one link to some other Web page or blog that would be helpful to someone who visits the Web page or blog you have created. It is not necessary to post your Web page or blog to the Internet, but if you decide to do so, you must first share it with your parents and counselor and get their permission.
      3. Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, flier, or other printed material for your troop or crew, class at school, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration.
    2. Plan a worship service.  Serve as master of ceremonies.
    3. Find out about three career opportunities in communication. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.