JAW JITSU

To speak is to think with the volume turned up. To talk is to transmit sounds in the absence of thought. To converse is to engage one another in an exchange of mutually enjoyable perspectives. And then of course, there's verbal combat, argument, dissent, and general noise . . . all an exchange of ignorance.

Good conversation is the harmony between kindred spirits, even if they disagree on matters. It is not an arithmetical summation of two monologues making one dialogue. in the spirit of good conversation, a writer and reader must meet one another in a consciousness that enthuses, illuminates, and intrigues. And silence can be eloquent . . . especially when it expresses itself by snuffing out the unkind utterance.

Jaw jitsu is the martial art of verbal combat. Like the pen and the sword, it can harm, or it can heal. Used well,, it can express wit and wisdom, mirth and merriment. May your writing be infused with these qualities.

If you can converse, you can write. Your scribbles and jottings are conversations on paper.

So jaw jitsu away!

[Excerpted from 'TaleBlazers: Imagination to Imprint', by Dilip Mukerjea. All images in this post are the intellectual property of Dilip Mukerjea.]