Pragmatic Communication

rhetoric (rĕt’ər-ĭk) n. the art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.

I love words – reading, writing, speaking, listening and, most importantly, meaning and understanding. Words can edify and connect us, but if we’re not mindful when we use them, words can be a divisive weapon that separates us. Below is a compilation of thoughts, pet peeves, cool vocabulary words, suggestions and observations about how we communicate with each other in our personal and professional relationships.

pragmatic communication

the most divisive word of all: “THEY”

After the events of the last few days, my resilience is worn-down. I can't read another post or comment by ...
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a lesson in humility. and a reminder.

Dr. Doofenshmirtz might call the first part of this post my "backstory." ~ I'm a firstborn and an ISTP (67%) ...
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say what you mean. don’t be mean when you say it.

I cut waaay back on facebook over the last few months. Derisive sarcasm and hate were saturating my news feed, ...
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#edify: profanity

The first curse word each of my children heard came out of my mother's mouth. Let's just say it wasn't ...
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negativity. flip it or zip it.

Note to Self: Every time you began to say something negative, stop. and consider two other options: flip it or ...
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Happy atheists don’t care if Christians pray. They just don’t.

This morning, I followed a link in my facebook news feed to an article about a family who was praying ...
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seasoned with salt.

If you profess Christianity, please be careful in your discussions about controversial issues today. Please don't be arrogant. You're never ...
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say what you mean, but don’t be mean when you say it.

I've been saying that for years. To my kids, to students and to myself, whenever the situation calls for it ...
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sarcasm: religious and political poison.

Reading too much on the internet today and keep thinking one thing: Sarcasm is an ineffective persuasive technique. It's condescending, ...
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the positive impact of negative feedback.

I've known for a very long time that I'm different. Not "better" different. Because, really, "better" is relative. Better than ...
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“Christ-centered Church.” I do not think it means what you think it means.

This is the 9th post of a series. CLICK HERE to view a page listing all the posts in the ...
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Jesus said turn the other cheek. He didn’t say I had to stand within smack radius.

"so, have you spoken to them about their behavior?" That was the question I was asked after publishing my post ...
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you see the big hat too . . . right?

Ever try to describe the behavior of a passive-aggressive person to someone else? Inevitably, you come off sounding petty. And ...
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I’m going to stop being discouraged and be awesome instead. True Story.

I haven't exactly been sad. But I'll admit. For the last few weeks, I've been discouraged. I found myself in ...
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step away from the puppy.

Warning: Sometimes, emotional bullies wear puppy suits. wounded puppy suits. And when you pay attention to them, the whimpering doesn't ...
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desensitized.

I'm not one to avoid conflict. I've found that, much too often, constant unanimous agreement results in substandard ideas and ...
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Dear PinkGirl: don’t copy me.

There’s a certain person in my daughter’s life, who if she allows it, erodes her joy. I’ll call her TheBully ...
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don’t eat the marshmallow. yet.

Writing about "Don't Eat The Marshmallow" today. LOVE these kids. (the premise is that children who are capable of delayed ...
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if you can’t change your circumstances, change your expectations.

"If you could tell people just ONE THING. What would it be?" After a purely faith-based post, the next thought ...
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communication and communion

Not many who visit Compendium realize I have other blogs - probably because I don't post on them as often ...
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therefore I quote: Steve Chandler

I read, therefore I quote: "People who habitually access their imaginations are often hailed by their colleagues as "geniuses" - ...
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this is why . . .

I don't know who is lost. Or who survived. I don't know the name of the biggest loser. I can't ...
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a custom fit.

My husband, long overdue for new suits, just bought 3 at a buy one get two free sale at JoS ...
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7 Quick Takes: 06.01.09

Kristen emailed me to make sure I was okay and I realized I hadn't blogged in over a week! Over ...
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