Using pleasant words in communication

Thirukkural 100

In this Kural, Saint Thiruvalluvar insists on using pleasant words. 

இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்

கனியிருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

(Meaning: Using unpleasant words, instead of pleasant ones, is like preferring unripened fruits, when ripe fruits are available)

Explanation:

Presently, we come across many people using unpleasant words in their verbal and written communications.  Even for small small matters of disagreement, some of the people get angry and irritated and use strong words, which may hurt the feelings and sentiments of others including the recipients. 

Even when we want to convey our anger or disagreement, it can be conveyed in a dignified manner.  Such dignified words will help to maintain the relationship.

Thiruvallur explains this with a wonderful analogy. When we have a basket of ripe and unripened fruits, we prefer only ripe fruits.  Ripe fruits are tasty and pleasant.  Unripened fruits may be bitter too.  Same way, using unpleasant words in our communication will bring more bitterness.

Next time, when you want to show your anger or disagreement with others, please use pleasant and dignified words. 

Four aspects of personal communication

Thirukkural 93

In this Kural, Saint Thiruvalluvar explains four important aspects while talking with others.


முகத்தான் அமர்ந்துஇனிது நோக்கி அகத்தானாம்
இன்சொ லினதே அறம்.


Thiruvalluvar explains four important aspects as follows:

1.  Facial expression;

2.  Looking  at the other person pleasantly with smile; 

3.  Talking  from the bottom of the heart; and

4.  Using  pleasant and good words.

If the four aspects are followed, then it is the right way of communication.

In the modern day corporate managements and communication, we find only 'synthetic' smile and false communication. That is why, many of the marketing communicators do not command credibility from their customers.  Customers look at their words with suspicion, however they are genuine. .  What Thiruvallur insists is the natural way of communication from the bottom of the heart.  

Natural communication will bring more credibility among the stakeholders, than artificial or synthetic communication.