Lesson #5 The Golden Rule

I realize that when I spend too much time chatting on MSN, communication in real life suddenly becomes a much more daunting task. Real life conversations suddenly just doesn't feel real. In fact, it suddenly feels very much... alien.

What I personally think is that, the more adept you are in a particular medium of communication (MoC), the more you will lose touch with your competence in the other MoCs. This is because we try to apply, unknowingly and unsuccessfully, what we learn in one MoC to that of another, without realizing that they are NOT the same.

In this case, transferring knowledge between MoCs can backfire and be counter-productive.

Some popular MoCs that immediately come to mind are:

1. Face to face
2. Online messengers
3. Phone calls
4. SMS
5. Facebook
6. Forums
7. Etc

Lesson:

1. The golden rule is; there is no golden rule. Different MoCs require different approaches to be successful. What seems to work well in one MoC may not necessarily work well in another.

2. Always, always keep the golden rule in mind when switching between MoCs. Awareness helps keep away the temptation to stray.

3. Versatility is key. Different situations call for different approaches. You have options, so use them. Don't stubbornly stick to one MoC just because you are most comfortable with it. Sometimes, to progress in life, one must stray away from their comfort zone. Explore, experiment, and experience.

4. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make you better. So keep practicing, and enjoy the process while you're at it! :)