Principle 5 Communication

What makes communication responsible as well as free?

Right — To speak, express, create and communicate freely.

Responsibility — To communicate with awareness of our words, listen with curiosity, and respect the dignity and freedom of others.

In practice: Communication includes speech, writing, art, gesture and other forms of expression. Listening involves attention to what a person wants understood, including when their words come slowly or with strong feeling. We can ask whether they want listening, perspective or practical help. Clear speech and careful questions still matter, as do privacy and the freedom to pause or decline. We can acknowledge an experience, examine an interpretation and communicate a boundary with care for dignity.

For example, “Would you like me to listen, or would it help to think through options together?” leaves the other person room to say what they need. We can also be honest about the time and support we can offer.

A question to sit with (optional): What does this person want understood, and have I made room to listen before deciding what to say?