George A. Goens 
Getting the Message 
The Wisdom of Listening and Thinking

Society today is fragmented. There are frequent examples of harsh and abrasive discourse in social, employment, personal, and political settings. Name-calling, conceit, and vulgarity are frequently used in social media, and other forms of social interaction and discussion.Communication is a critical issue in today’s society. We live in a technological time with the means to easily contact people. However, the quality and effectiveness of communication is problematic: real connections with others require understanding and insight into them and their thinking. That is the purpose of true communication. Individuals must understand the content and intent of communication. The missing link in quality and effective communication is listening. Everyone wants to be heard, but they fail to realize that all parties must listen. Listening is an essential skill and is more than simply hearing.Communication is essential in all facets of life because it concerns not only the physical process of talking and listening, but also emotional and psychological concerns and ethics. The nature of the conversation brings expectations and either opens or closes doors to further communication.