Various Voices in Development

This blog will be about writing and using language to communicate. We all say and do things that others interpret. Others interpret our communication through filters. Filters of values, judgments and goals determine how well others hear what we say. How do we get our voices heard? Whining is certainly audible and annoying enough to get a response. Often someone will cringe and cover his ears, but not listen. Supposedly, talking quietly will get someone to listen more attentively. Maybe they'll listen for a minute, but not for long when there are other distractions. Yelling might make someone do what you say out of fear, but the impact will be lost over time or others will avoid you. There are many reasons people tune each other out. So what works to get others to listen?   We have to break through the filters, find common ground and respect each other. No one judges a baby. The goal is simple; to help the baby thrive. As the baby gets older, the goals are not so simple. The whining starts. We tune it out. Other things compete for out attention. And their yelling becomes embarrassing. Communication gets out of control. Communication is a back and forth exchange and relies on mutual understanding and listening. We must learn where the other person stands.