ABCD of Management: Triad of Effective Communication : Ethos, Pathos, Logos

B.N. Dastur Greek philosophers were experts in communication, which in English is called oratory. Despite his wishes, he kept looking for ways to make communication more effective. Aristotle used three words for effective communication: Ethos (Ethos), Pathos (Pathos), Logos (Logos). We find it difficult to accept things that we do not trust. The cement of relationships is not love, trust is. Even if there is no love between husband and wife, boss, assistant, if there is trust, the relationship will remain intact. Ethos means the other person's trust in your credibility, your skills and your integrity. Effective communication is not possible in the absence of such trust. Pathos: Pathos means sensitivity to emotions. Communication can be done by speaking, writing, using electronic devices or even through non-verbal behavior. There is a danger in focusing only on the words used in communication. The feelings behind the words are important. In Surat the word 'Sala' is a symbol of love – 'Let's drink Sala tea.' But Sala's address in Lucknow can put you in hospital – 'Aapne hamari ben se shaadi ki hai?' It is very important to know the context in which the words are being spoken, how they are being spoken. A sensitive person accepts communication with empathy. Today's term for pathos is 'emotional intelligence' – the readiness and ability to understand emotions. Logos: Logos means logic, argument. Logic is essential for successful communication. Giving logical reasons for whatever is being said, written increases the effectiveness of communication. Remember the influence of Soli Sorabji, Nani Palkhivala, Homi Sirwai, Fali Nariman, Jamshedji Kanga in our Supreme Court? Greek philosophers coined these three terms for lawyers. Even today good teachers impart knowledge of these words to their lawyer students. A lawyer's job is not just to make arguments. If their credibility is low, if their sensitivity is low, the effectiveness of their arguments will diminish. Life is all about taking, doing and finishing work for people. The purpose of communication is to change the behavior of the other person. These three words are almost three thousand years old, but their effectiveness is still intact today. If you want to understand the Torah, stop compromising your credibility, respect everyone's feelings and make logical arguments. Wednesday's Bodh A mat weaver is a craftsman, but people don't take him to a silk factory.

Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).