Are You Lost in Translation
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
By Paula C. Lamb
Welcome back to another issue of HANNA Magazine. If you read my last piece, Beyond Words, in the September Issue where I explored the power of “listening more and speaking less”. This article builds on that idea, taking the next step in mastering the art of becoming unstoppable.
Let me ask you this: Why do so many personal and business relationships fail? Here’s a hint—it’s an action at the core of all human interaction. It influences our growth and breakdowns, our stress levels and mental health, our ability to connect or disconnect. It’s the bridge that can close or widen the gap between people across the globe.
If you guessed communication, you’re right. In every form, verbal, non-verbal, written, or digital communication is the foundation of connection. Listening is not separate from it; it’s one of its most powerful forms. The ability to listen deeply shapes how well we understand and how clearly, we express ourselves. Yet today, technology, shifting social norms, and the relentless pace of life are reshaping how we communicate with consequences both positive and negative.
Do you agree that clear and respectful communication is essential to genuine connection? In recent years, email etiquette, messaging courtesy, and diplomacy in our words often seem to have taken a back seat and at odds with our keyboards leaving many of us feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.
And yet, effective communication remains the heartbeat of sustaining relationships and trust. At its core, it’s not just about transferring information it’s about creating understanding. That’s the difference between connection and disconnection, success and failure.
Think back to the past: letters, landline calls, and face-to-face conversations. Business messages came by telegram or fax. These slower methods required patience and thoughtfulness. Compare that with today’s instant messaging. The convenience is undeniable, but what have we lost in the process?
And so my question to you is this: as our methods of communication evolve, are we getting better at connecting or simply faster at speaking past one another?
If, like me, you were born between 1960 and 1980 or earlier you may sometimes feel “lost in translation” as communication shifts around us. But the challenge isn’t just generational. It’s about finding ways to restore clarity and authenticity in a world of constant distraction.
So how do we become unstoppable communicators? Here are five practical steps:
Practice Active Listening – Listening is just as important as speaking. Focus on the speaker and ask clarifying questions to create an engaged, two-way conversation.
Express Yourself Clearly –Stick to the main points, organize your thoughts, and use simple language to avoid misunderstandings.
Mind Your Non-Verbal Cues – Body language speaks volumes. Pay attention to body language, Tone, facial expressions, and body language are essential for positive communication.
Use Positive Language – Replace negative or defensive words with constructive, solution-focused language.
Meet in Person - When possible, meet face-to-face as these interactions build trust and depth that digital tools can’t replace.
Communication is not a fixed talent it’s a skill we can refine every day. When we listen deeply, speak with clarity, and remain mindful of the human element, we bridge gaps across generations, across cultures, across the very technologies that sometimes divide us.
So, perhaps ask yourself: where could you strengthen your communication skills? Could you listen more deeply, speak with greater clarity, or be more mindful of the cues that go unspoken?
Because the truth is, communication isn’t just about words, it’s about whether those words create distance, or build bridges strong enough to carry understanding, trust, and possibility.
And remember #yougotthis
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