Let me begin by welcoming you to my blog, the fireside symposium. As the name suggests, this blog, I hope, will serve as a relaxed environment for discussion on various topics. It occurred to me the other day that most of the arguments I engage in with my peers end in some degree of disappointment on my part, so I began to consider the vast amount of perspectives to be found via the internet. As I read, I found that not only was I correct regarding the volume of opinionated discourse online, but also that expressing one's thoughts might be more of a challenge than I had initially envisioned. Therefore, I intend to also use this blog as a means of improving my writing skills, and I would invite anyone who feels like learning a bit about how to write to join me in this quest. After all, one must practice if one wishes to get better at something.
Let's talk a little bit, then, about expression. Have you ever been engaged in a conversation with someone and suddenly come to the realization that he or she has absolutely no idea what you're talking about? Few things, dear reader, are more frustrating to me than when that happens. My frustration is compounded when a person believes that he or she is completely following my logic and then regurgitates a version of what I've said that instantly brings the conversation to a standstill. Now, as I am an egotistical person (I will make no claim otherwise), I would often conclude that the listener was at fault for not being able to comprehend my statements. Only recently did I even DARE to consider that I was at least partly responsible for the confusion. This consideration, however, has opened many doors for me. Ridding myself of the notion that everything I say is universally understood was one of the most beneficial things that I could have done for myself.
This being said, there are certain people out there who make fully explaining yourself an impractical venture. Time and time again I've found myself unable to continue conversing with somebody due to how difficult it is to convey a crucial point. Normally I respond to these situations by attempting to diversify my vocabulary and altering my delivery. If after that, however, I have made no progress, I generally like to move on. I would ask that anybody who runs into similar issues on the blog treat them the same way. It would be best for the functionality of this blog if everybody would exert more effort than usual in making people able to understand just what it is you're trying to convey.
I like how you said you are egotistical, yet your sig is "humble host".
ReplyDeleteI usually try 2-3 times to clarify/simplify what I said before I give up.
I have this problem every time I speak with my mother. As a scientist, it is an accomplishment to be able to explain your research to someone you could find at a bus stop. I face this problem whenever I tutor. It is my duty to be able to explain physics at a level that the pre-med students can understand (surprisingly low). I was upset today to learn that my students failed their first exam. It feels like it reflects my ability to guide and support them as they learn the subject. But I have taken many shortcuts. I make it easy for them. I don't make them go back to their notes, and I sit next to them guiding them through each step of their homework. Granted I go through checkpoints asking for clarification, but it's hard to get someone to say they don't understand after explaining it three times. I also don't explain the math. I feel it is not my job. I can't teach math; it's my first language, and it's not in my job description. Mastering this skill reflects my mastery of the subject. Apparently, I still have a ways to go for basic physics.
ReplyDeleteCanisminor, you've done an excellent job of expressing yourself here, I'd say. As a non-scientist I can only begin to appreciate the sheer magnitude of knowledge required to be able to teach in your field. I mean, think about Carl Sagan. Not only was he able to comprehend the science behind cosmic mechanisms, but his degree of comprehension was high enough as to allow him to TEACH these things to people in terms they could understand. I wouldn't worry, though. You've got all the time in the world to perfect your sklls.
ReplyDeleteAll the time in the world? What is this nonsense? This idea is one of the fantasies of white Americans. Time is finite, and lost time is never recovered. I'm only given 365.25 chances to get "it" right. "It" being a productive 21 year-old. After this time is up, I must start the cycle again.
ReplyDeleteYear after year, we count up, but never down; for time's end is inevitable and nearly unpredictable.