| We have inherited much of our language and therefore our thinking
from the old dominator paradigm. It comprises of adversarial
language forms which create isolation, exclusion, retributive
concepts and violence. Some of these forms such as negative
stereotyping, put downs, racist and sexist slurs, emotive speaking
and writing are commonly found in law, politics, commerce, the
military, the workplace, schools, universities and our homes.
Harvard violence prevention studies concluded that all violence,
be it emotional, intellectual, spiritual or physical against
individuals, groups or nations, is preceded with the thinking
which diminishes, makes wrong, denigrates, makes inferior, labels
bad, evil or simply pathetic. Students of positive and ethical
communication skills learn to identify and neutralize these
thoughts before they become words or actions.
Words are powerful; they can soothe or inflame, create peace
or start wars, save lives and create happiness or the opposite.
Words create the concepts which may form the basis of our
behavior.
See Montreal Massacre
All humans especially our leaders, can benefit from a study
of communication skills and much violence is eliminated; wars
are conflicts not resolved by peaceful means. The foundation
for much of my work revolves around positive communication
skills. Even wonderful organizations who work for peace have
found themselves, at times, embroiled in horrendous conflicts.
They, like the rest of us, tend to fall back into the old
paradigm forms of adversarial thinking and speaking when the
emotions are running hot. Mediation and particularly conferencing
are useful tools to help resolve the conflicts especially
when combined with the positive communication skills which
build partnerships.
See workshops
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