You cannot not communicate

You cannot not communicate. At least that's true according to Communication Scholars Watzlawick, Beavin and Jackson (1967). In the electronic era of today, this foundational academic communication concept grasps hold of our lives in an even more dramatic fashion than it did when it was penned. What it means in the Communication Discipline is that, when in the presence of another human being, everything about us communicates something.

Our skin color, our hair, and everything we wear. . .
our mannerisms, words and deeds;
how we follow, how we lead . . .
presence, absence, frame of mind;
tone that's neutral, tone that's kind. . .
my words my deeds illuminate--
I cannot not communicate.
(original "academic poem", KMH 12/13/07)

Put simply, as a great man once said, "Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear a word you're sayin'." (Norm Alpi)

Today, however, this concept seems a bit more literal in its meaning. As, for good or for ill, I join the seemingly endless procession of bloggers, I see that even the spoken, written, blogged, texted or IM'd word is expected of us to a far heightened extent than it was of the members of any previous generation. My name is Karla M. (Larson) Hunter, and I am an Assistant Professor of Communication at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, an independent Communication Consultant, an author (of both academic and creative works) and the mother of three. In addition to the communication channels my grandparents had, I have two cell phones, A PDO, three email addresses, and now a blog. It would seem that I cannot not communicate. Literally.

What this means for me is that I now have a forum for my theories, research and experience in the communication discipline. What it means for you, the reader, is that you now have free access to regular posts that disseminate information and examples from within the academic study of communication that is taught in my college-level courses and publications. May you find it useful.

Sincerely,
KMH