Communication is one of the most basic and essential human functions. We speak, we listen, we gesture, we write, and through it all, we try to connect — to convey emotions, ideas, intentions, needs, and reactions. Yet, despite the tools at our disposal, a vast majority of our daily communication is often lost in translation.

Misunderstandings happen, tempers flare, feelings get hurt, and what could have been a meaningful exchange turns into a bitter experience. Why does this happen? Because communication is not just about speaking or hearing — it is about understanding, empathy, and clarity.

At the heart of every successful interaction is the principle that communication is a two-way experience. It involves a sender and a receiver, and both need to walk away from the exchange with a sense of clarity and satisfaction.

If even one party leaves confused, unheard, or misunderstood, the process is incomplete. Communication is not a monologue; it’s a dynamic, living exchange of meanings. And the responsibility for this doesn't lie solely with the speaker or the listener. It’s a shared obligation, and mastering it is one of life’s most crucial skills.

One of the most effective ways to understand the fragility and importance of good communication is to observe it in real life. A simple anecdote, often repeated in homes and workplaces alike, demonstrates how quickly things can go wrong when communication lacks context, tone, or empathy. Imagine a typical morning.

A man is rushing to work and forgets his identity card at home. Upon reaching his office, he realises the card is missing. In that fleeting moment of panic, he calls his wife to confirm if it’s at home. “Hello… Can you please check whether my office ID card is in my cupboard?” he asks. His wife checks and replies, “Yes! It is there.” Relieved, he lets out a sigh, “Thank God.” But what follows is a sharp retort from the wife: “If you have kept it there, it will be there only! What is so special about it?”

Now, let’s pause here. This is what one might call a classic “communication disaster.” Not because anyone raised their voice or used foul........

© Mathrubhumi English