PC

PC

When you hear the letters PC, what comes to mind? Personal Computer? Potato Chips? Pine Cones? Most people connect PC to  “Politically Correct,” which Merriam-Webster defines  as “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated.” Politically correct speech is that which does not offend. 

When first coined, PC had a positive connotation: replace biased or abusive speech with impartial and respectful speech. After some time, political correctness gained a more negative implication — avoid any speech which might offend anyone in any way. Media pundits sneer at it. Employers rate employees on it. Newspapers get sued over it. 

May I suggest another meaning for PC? Polite Conversation. Most of us learned this skill in elementary school. Our teachers guided us through classroom discussions. What if we used the rules we learned at school to speak to one another? 

1. Think before you speak. When you want to speak in school, you must first raise your hand. While waiting for the teacher to call on you, you can take a few seconds to plan your answer. Instead of blurting out the first thought that comes into your head, carefully prepare what you want to say and how you want to say it. 
2. Use your inside voice. A proverb states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Communication occurs in quiet voices, not shouts. Lovers whisper. Friends chat. More meaning is found in the “still, small voice” than in the howl of the wind or the thunder of the earthquake. Modulate your tone so that your speech welcomes not confronts.
3. Use magic words. Your parents taught you the magic words please and thank you but there are many more: I’m sorry. I’m listening. I care. How can I help? What do you need? Take your time. Explain it to me. I want to understand. I value your opinion. Thanks for sharing.
4. Listen. We often are so anxious to express our opinions that we don’t take the time to hear what another is saying. Before forming your answer or planning your next comment, ruminate for a minute on what you have just heard. Ask the speaker to repeat key points. Ask for explanations and supporting statements.  
5. Employ the “golden rule.” Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do you like to be called names? Do you want others to step on your opinions before you express them? Do you want people to assume things about you without justification? Do you like hearing words that offend, hurt, condescend or attack? Do you want to be labeled or understood? Do you want people to judge your arguments or your associations? Do you want others to see you as an individual with worth or as a flashpoint that must be extinguished? Do you want to be treated with respect? Do so unto others. 

Use what your teachers taught you. Polite conversation fosters other PCs —Peaceful Communication, Personal Connections, and Productive Collaborations. Let your speech and actions reflect your belief that all people have value and are worthy of respect.