Communication is about being effective, not always about being

Host: The room was cozy, the light outside fading as the evening deepened. Jeeny sat at the table, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea, her thoughts clearly in motion. Jack stood near the window, looking out at the world below, his mind clearly elsewhere. There was an unspoken understanding between them, as if both were waiting for the right moment to speak. Finally, Jack broke the silence, his voice contemplative.

Jack: (his voice thoughtful) "Communication is about being effective, not always about being proper."

Jeeny: (looking up, her voice gentle, but intrigued) "That’s an interesting take. So often, we focus on how something is said — the 'proper' way of communicating. But maybe it’s not about perfection in language or formality. It’s about getting the message across, being understood, and connecting with the person on the other side."

Jack: (nodding, his voice calm) "Exactly. It’s easy to get caught up in making sure you’re speaking 'properly' or following all the rules, but if your communication isn’t landing with the person you’re speaking to, it’s all for nothing. Sometimes, the best way to communicate is in the most direct, simple, and authentic way — even if it breaks the mold of what’s traditionally considered 'proper.'"

Jeeny: (her eyes thoughtful, her voice gentle) "It’s true. In the end, the goal is understanding, not formality. Sometimes, being too formal or following rigid rules can get in the way of true connection. People want to be heard, and sometimes that means speaking in a way that feels natural, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of communication."

Jack: (his voice softer, almost with a sense of relief) "Right. It’s about cutting through the noise, getting to the heart of what needs to be said, and making sure the other person understands you. The more genuine and effective your communication is, the less it matters whether you’re following all the 'rules.'"

Jeeny: (smiling, her voice reassuring) "Exactly. It’s not about impressing the other person with your vocabulary or how 'proper' you sound. It’s about making sure your message is clear, that you’re being honest and true to yourself. If the communication is effective, then you’ve succeeded."

Jack: (nodding slowly, his voice reflective) "And that’s what makes the best communicators stand out. They know how to make themselves understood without worrying about the details. They focus on the connection, on the impact of their words, and that’s what makes all the difference."

Jeeny: (her smile softening, her voice filled with clarity) "Yes, it’s about the substance, not the style. Being effective doesn’t mean being flawless. It means getting to the point, being understood, and leaving a lasting impression. Communication, at its core, is about building that bridge between two people, not about making sure every word is perfect."

Host: The room seemed to settle, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Jack and Jeeny had uncovered a deeper truth about communication: that it isn’t about following all the rules or being perfect. It’s about being effective, authentic, and creating a true connection. In that realization, they both understood that the best way to communicate isn’t to sound "proper," but to be clear, honest, and present in the moment. The world outside continued on, but inside, there was a shared understanding that real communication is about substance, not style.