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

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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, ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

“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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

desensitized.

I'm not one to avoid conflict. I've found that, much too often, constant unanimous agreement results in substandard ideas and ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

communication and communion

Not many who visit Compendium realize I have other blogs - probably because I don't post on them as often ...
Read More

therefore I quote: Steve Chandler

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

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 ...
Read More

a custom fit.

My husband, long overdue for new suits, just bought 3 at a buy one get two free sale at JoS ...
Read More

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 ...
Read More

ch ch ch changes.

I've decided to make some changes here at Pragmatic Compendium. I'm going to make it more of a compendium. Here ...
Read More

cool word: bifurcate.

So, I'm reading Women, Faith, And Work How Ten Successful Professionals Blend Belief. Specifically, I'm reading the chapter on Goldie ...
Read More

“. . . therefore I quote” Kubler-Ross, Cloud & Townsend

I read, therefore I quote. Today's quotes are taken from The Mom Factor by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John ...
Read More

conversations with my mother . . . pie and gum

My mom didn't go into the rehab center. She's in the hospital instead. She's taking diuretics intravenously (80 mg Lasix) ...
Read More

welcome to my world, MrJAK

My mom didn't go into the rehab facility yesterday, something about being evaluated and the doctor needing to order it ...
Read More

reading from the outside in

It's a little chaotic this week, so I'm "re-purposing" a previous post for my "Works for Me Wednesday" contribution. A ...
Read More