What is true communication?

Hello!
This is Okamoto from Kidogs.

Actually, I was recently taking the Workshop Designer Program at Aoyama Gakuin University, and I would like to share one thing I learned there.

"Communication is not a skill."

These words really struck a chord with me.

In our work engaging with children, young people, and members of the community,
we also talk a lot with our staff
about what communication skills are.

Of course, the ability to convey information and the ability to listen are important.
Natural smiles, polite language, and the volume of one's voice are also important.

But even if you can do these things well,

Are you really trying to listen to the other person's voice?
Are you trying to connect yourself to the other person's world?

If this attitude is not at the root, no matter how well you transmit information,
it cannot be called communication.

Having been a truant myself, I am now able to talk quite a bit,
and I don't really have trouble in situations where I meet people for the first time anymore.
But that just means I've become able to create an opening when meeting someone for the first time.
I realized that my attitude might have been less about interest in the other person and more about breaking the awkwardness of silence,
in other words, seeking my own comfort.
This is no time to be thinking, "I spoke well!" I need to reflect on this...

Are you really trying to listen to the other person's voice?
This is the same for dogs, who cannot speak in words.
When you live with a dog, you certainly do get the feeling that your hearts have connected.
But rather than thinking that we understand each other because of that,
I think it is more precious to have an attitude of continuing to ask,
even if it might be different, what are they thinking or feeling right now?

For both people and dogs.
Stand by the other person's side and sharpen your ears to their voice.
Try to know the other person's world and acknowledge it.
If everyone could have a little bit of that feeling,
it would be a wonderful world, wouldn't it?