Fuzzy Thinking

7 minute speech given to Titan Toastmasters on 15 July 2002 for Competant Toastmaster (Speech #6) from Communication and Leadership Manual (Working with Words)

Communicating effectively is an art. Subtle and sometimes elusive combination of rhetoric and presentation where individual must draw upon own strengths – whether sincerity, enthusiasm, or humor – to make personal connection with audience. Underneath that art of communication lies science of thinking. Most people, other than philosophers, don't ever formally study that science of thinking. Don't study rules of inference, principles of definition, or fallacies of reasoning. As result, inadvertently make all kinds of errors that inhibit their capacity to communicate effectively with others.

So what are some of these errors and mistakes? Highlight three today that particularly related to effective communication.

1. The Missed Mark: Sometimes not precise in use of language. Latch onto wrong concept because seems right at first glance or because has right feel. Back when thought Terry Barton started Hayman fire accidentally by burning ex-husband's letter, friend described her behavior as "selfish." But didn't know that actions would start raging wildfire but decided to burn letter anyway. Rather, wasn't thinking about possible consequences of her actions. So perhaps "thoughtless" or "careless" more accurate description. Might seem like "thoughtless" or "careless" not strong enough terms, so reach for "selfish" instead. But can fix that problem by adding "dangerously," so that "dangerously thoughtless" or "dangerously careless." So need to make sure that choosing words wisely, particularly for these sorts of moral evaluations.

2. Nonsense Slogans: All love pithy summaries of ideas. Excellent communicators. Think of Preamble of Declaration of Independence: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." No better description of American political ideal. But danger lurks in pithy slogans. Think of Marxist idea: "All property is theft." If no legitimate property, then theft either. Concept THEFT logically dependent upon concept PROPERTY. Sounds good on surface, but nonsense down deep. So need to look at more than just superficial surface of expression, particularly because pithy slogans stick in mind so clearly.

3. Everything and Nothing: Sometimes people just don't know what they're advocating, particularly when comes to abstract philosophical ideas. At dentist with mouth pried open. Dentist, knowing that I'm philosopher, repeatedly says that really likes idea "We all have our own separate reality." What the heck does that mean? Taken literally, means that each in own separate universe, unable to communicate or interact. Means that no facts to consult, no truth. All just subjective. But what think meant was that people have own experiences that shape view of the world. Means different perspective on same underlying reality. But not what he said. If really meant what said, then want new dentist! So need to know precise meaning of ideas we advocate.

Noticed that Toastmasters not so prone to these errors. In Table Topics and Speeches, are forced to consciously think through our ideas. That helps bring these errors of reasoning to light. Make us better scientists in the lab of own minds. But always room for improvement. After all, the more clear we are in our thinking, the more clear we will be in our communicating.

Mr Toastmaster.