I used to believe that communication was everything.
That as long as I was articulate, expressive, or honest—I was doing my part.
Talk it out. Say how you feel. Explain your point. Speak your truth.
And yet… sometimes, it still fell flat. Misunderstood. Misinterpreted. Missed entirely.
Then it hit me:
Communication isn’t the goal. Understanding is.
Talking ≠ Being Heard
You can pour your heart out in the most carefully chosen words. But if the other person isn’t really listening—not just to your words, but to your meaning—it’s all just background noise.
You feel unheard. They feel overwhelmed.
And the gap between you grows wider, even in the thick of conversation.
Understanding Is a Two-Way Street
Understanding means slowing down to see beyond words.
It’s not about what’s said—it’s about what’s meant.
It requires empathy. Curiosity. Presence.
It’s asking, “Did I hear you right?” instead of jumping to respond.
Real understanding transforms communication from a transaction into a connection.
So What Now?
Speak, yes. Express yourself fully.
But also:
Create space for silence. Ask questions that go deeper than surface-level replies. Listen to understand, not just to answer.
The next time you find yourself in a conversation that feels like a dead-end, ask yourself:
“Am I being heard—or just speaking?”
“Am I hearing them—or just listening for my turn?”
Because in the end, words are powerful—but only when they’re received with intention.
Understanding is the real magic.
And it turns noise into meaning!
Kenrick Vaz 