Bohm wrote an informative article about communication, and how to do it successfully. He expressed the need to genuinely listen to others, without attempting to change them, and their ideals. After reading Bohm’s words, Jaggerbunny realized that it is “necessary to really listen, even when you may disagree.” We must not be set in our ways, Jaggerbunny continued, as we will only alienate ourselves if we block out the ideas of others. It is common for us to be more interested in winning, and therefore many of us fight with each other without really taking in each other’s beliefs. Gym mentioned that everyone that read Bohm’s writing agreed with him, that successful communication is only possible if we truly listen without trying to change each other’s views. Gym was specific to his own experience communicating poorly as he shared, he “let my own views try to control conversation.” Even if there was some agreement, and relatability, he could not help but look for some way to disagree, and communicate an alternate way of looking at/ describing things.
After reading the summaries and analysis of my classmates on the articles written by Barrett, Goleman, and James, I noticed a couple of interesting things. First, much of what they were saying pertained a great deal to the wisdom Bohm provided in “On Communication.” Also, as I read through their works, I noticed their use of Bohm’s teachings. Barrett’s article discusses, as DeliverMeSummer explains, that when communicating with others, we are “under siege.” We feel a threat to our self/ ego, and therefore feel the need to be defensive. Swabbie adds that, while working in groups, we must use constructive responses and “get around our need to protect” our “self.” DeliverMeSummer, Swabbies, and Commsyr speak about the need to find common ground between speaking our minds and accepting the viewpoints of others. Their words go right along with Bohm, as they all recognize the need to listen to others’ thoughts, beliefs, be respectful of such, and respond accordingly. Communication depends upon appropriate responses to each other, and in the analysis of Barrett’s article, it is clear that my fellow classmates have learned that.
Goleman’s article is about the four components of interpersonal intelligence, as explained by Jimigarcia. Beaver specifically describes what it is to be a leader, to take initiative and coordinate; and how being a mediator is preventing conflict from arising, and resolving problems as they may “flare up.” Tennisfan, Memphisburns, as well as Beaver and Jimigarcia speak about working in groups and taking other people’s feelings into consideration. Just as Bohm taught, we must listen to people and respect them with genuine care for what they have to say. In their summaries of Goleman’s article my classmates pointed out the necessity to lead, without being overbearing, by holding everyone’s needs and thoughts to be of equal importance. Truly pay attention to one another, reflect upon their words, and work together.
James’ article, on the surface does not appear to have anything to do with Bohm’s teachings on communicating successfully with others. Beaver, Jimigarcia, Masr, and Jaggerbunny all summarize the essence of her article, her story of stereotypes and prejudice. Beaver stated that “one person can’t define a whole race because of their actions.” Masr tells that James’ “pre-programmed information in her head led to communication faults in her life.” James story, as analyzed by my classmates discusses the importance of not stereotyping and judging based on original perceptions, and on the surface opinions. Listen, try to understand beneath the surface so as to not prevent oneself from successful communication. In analyzing James’ article, they proved to grasp Bohm’s words, because they took her story and read between the lines to gather the real meaning behind her article.
