Alexithymia (a-lex-ah-thy-me-ah)
Dictionary meaning:
The inability to describe things in a verbal manner.
Jentionary meaning:
Alexithymia is a writer's worst nightmare and a blessing all at the same time.
It is a writer's worst nightmare, simply because it hinders the validation you can get from being able to effectively communicate with those around you. It is a blessing because such a word exists to describe the struggle.
I am by no means saying it is just writers that can suffer from this. I think each and every one of us suffers from alexithymia every once in a while, but in my personal experience, it is a daily occurrence. I just happen to consider myself a writer, so I have accepted this classification.
Written communication is definitely a skill that has to be crafted over time. You could say the same for verbal communication. Having a high skill level in both is possible, but like all things, you have to work on it if you want to improve.
I was told at a very young age that I had the gift of writing under my belt. I did not really believe what I was being told, until I was shown time and time again I was able to describe situations and events in a clear, understandable manner. I knew my verbal communication was lacking when I would describe something like directions or my daily events to someone, and get a look of disgust or confusion.
For those of you who have trouble with verbal communication, hold on to your hats, because I am about to take you on a ride.
Having strong written communication skills can improve your verbal communication. That's right, I said it! Guilty as charged.
I made the mistake at a young age in thinking I was terrible at verbal communication because I thought I was shy, that I would just jumble my words together. I did not realize then, that the only reason I was lacking was because I was not trying to improve.
I also thought when someone asked me something -- that I was just destined to only get my thoughts down on paper, which in turn meant I would never have a chance to talk to someone successfully. Man, was I wrong.
 |
| Describing emotions in a verbal manner can be difficult, but should we let it hinder us and take over our whole lives? |
I have found a comfort in writing that has traveled into my verbal communication skills. When I talk to someone, I often think of it as writing my response down on paper.
I think of an opening statement, a response to a question and even a response to insults and compliments. Let me give you an easy example:
If someone asks me something simple like, "do you know what the weather is going to be like today?" I take the time to process what was being said in my head.
First, I think of an opening statement, "I heard on the weather channel that it's supposed to be 50 degrees and sunny." Then I take the time to go over what I said quickly before I get a response. If I mess up, I can easily 'rewind' what I had said and try again. That's the beauty in communication.
I think of what I am saying, and I say it with confidence to show that I am interested in answering, while also being interested in what the person talking to me has to say. It seems only an idiot wouldn't be able to do something like that, am I right?
Then riddle me this batman: why do people say things they do not mean?
In thinking and processing conversations in a different way than just 'normally' responding and saying the first thing that pops into our brains, is something I believe makes a huge difference. I encourage you to try it the next time someone engages in conversation with you. Sooner or later, it will stop seeming like a stupid thing to do, and you will begin to do it naturally.
For those still worried they cannot communication successfully verbally, here are a few tips according to callrail.com:
1. Think before you speak
2. Be clear and concise
3. Speak with confidence
4. Vary your vocal tone
5. Be a good listener
6. Be aware of your non-verbal communication cues
7. Think about the perspective of your audience
For more information about the above information, feel free to visit the site by clicking here.
In a world of progressing technology and face-to-face communication becoming less common, I urge each and every one of us to still work on our verbal communication skills, because they are vital to our human interaction.
Do you think that written communication has strengthened your verbal communication and are you willing to try to think about how you communicate differently?
Let me know in the comments below.
