December 13, 2014

December 13, 2014

Written by Maximus Peperkamp, M.S. Verbal Engineer

Dear Reader, 

 

It happens very often that this writer reads something, but doesn’t like it. He likes to read about spoken communication, but usually, what is written about it doesn’t represent it well enough to interest this author. The notion that writing should represent speaking seems to have gotten lost. Nowadays, people make it seem as if speaking is not necessary anymore and can even be avoided. Supposedly, what is written is the same as what is said and can therefore replace it. Similarly, we don’t talk because we listen to others, who are doing the talking for us on TV. 

The writing which represents speaking is different writing than most writing this author is familiar with. This author knows that most writing takes our attention away from speaking instead of bringing us closer to it. The question: “What kind of writing would bring us closer to speaking?” is one he is interested in and he is capable of answering it. Other questions are “How is this shaping of spoken communication going to be possible with written words?”; “What are those intermediate written steps that will take us back to our spoken communication?”; and “What writing can cure our obsession with written words?” This writing is intended to make it possible again for us to speak. 

Of course, we can already speak, but these written words should not make us forgetful about that. We have already spoken, but these words make what we have said more or less meaningful. If these written words, as written words usually do, make what we have said less meaningful, they decrease the likelihood that we will say more. “Why” one might ask “do we even read such words?” We read them because they make it seem as if we are speaking, as if we are part of some conversation. The reality is, however, most of us are merely reading something. If we are involved in writing, our writing is meant to be read and not to be talked about. 

When writings are read and talked about, when movies are seen and talked about, this doesn’t mean that we are really talking. Our talk about what has already been made is predetermined talk. We are just like actors in a movie or a play. Authentic conversation is never scripted. To the contrary, genuine interaction is only possible when we have no agenda. Dialogue can only happen when there is no monologue. This writing is not telling you what to talk about. If, because of this writing, your monologue stops, if you speak in a manner you haven’t spoken before, you know nothing is repeated.