Putting it all together: Communication

Earlier this month, I wrote a post about speech (Apraxia, Fluency, Voice, oh my! The S in SLP) and another about language (Receptive, Expressive; Oral, Written - The L in SLP).  In this post, I want to focus on what I consider the most important part of my job: communication (the "P" in SLP)!  What is communication?  And why do I make a distinction between speech, language, and communication?  Read on!

In the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, the warden says, "What we've got here is failure to communicate."  Both men are speaking (verbal); both using a shared language (English).  Communication, then, must be more than the sum of speech + language.

So, what is communication?  Communication is the exchange of information.  A message must be sent and received.  Just because I say something does not mean I have communicated.  Someone must receive (understand) my message.

If I say, "lights blinking...outside...turn", have I communicated?  Unless you miraculously were able to discern my intended meaning (message), no.  I used speech (the S in SLP).  I used a language we share (the L in SLP).  Yet I did not convey my message in a way that allowed us to share in the meaning.  I have not communicated.  If I point outside to the taxi with its blinker on waiting to make a left turn, you are likely to understand that I am making a comment about the taxi turning into the parking lot outside my office.  Now I have communicated.  In fact, I communicated without speech and without a shared language!  I did it through gesture.

Communication can be separated into two main areas:

Boardmaker image1 - Expressive communication: any method used to send a message, including:

• speech
• emails, texts, tweets, notes, letters, or any other form of written language
• pictures, drawings, or other symbols
• objects
• pointing, sign language, gestures
• body language, facial expressions
• augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices

2 - Receptive communication: receiving Boardmaker imagemessages and understanding their intended meaning

Communication is powerful!  It helps us feel connected with the people and world around us.  It helps us feel valued.  Communication allows us to share our thoughts and feelings.  It helps us get our wants and needs met.  Through communication we are more than bystanders, we participate.  In the words of Maya Angelou, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

I help people communicate.  Through whatever means works best for them and allows for the clear and socially acceptable exchange of messages.  We all want to hear our children speak.  But more importantly, I want to know that her favorite food is tacos (instead of pizza as I had assumed).  I want to know that he is thirsty, not just that he is upset and melting down.  I want to know that she has a sore throat, not just that she is being aggressive.  Sometimes the spoken words don't come.  Or don't come easily and as quickly as needed.  I help people communicate.

You might also like these related posts:

Apraxia, Fluency, Voice, oh my!  The S in SLP

Receptive, Expressive; Oral, Written - The L in SLP

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