Posted on Aug 10, 2014
SPC Christopher Smith
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I have noticed a trend in the lack of reading comprehension in forums and debates. How do we address this in order to better stay on target with professional debates, that don't turn personal because people are skimming responses, and not fully reading before putting forth a proper and valid response?
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LTC Paul Labrador
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Part of it may be reading comprehension issues. But part of it may also be that people do not express themselves clearly. Remember, communication is a two-way street.
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LCDR Aerospace Engineering Duty, Maintenance (AMDO and AMO)
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Is the issue one of reading comprehension - or just of answers that you don't like? Many people have a variety of views, some of which they bring into a discussion because it's relevant from their world view, even if it's not from yours.

Before you question their reading comprehension, are you sure that you're comprehending them correctly?
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SPC Christopher Smith
SPC Christopher Smith
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If we are debating politics, but you are debating religion, or education reform yes I question your ability to comprehend.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
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Unless the religion or educaiton angle is merely an aspect of the politic angle that you may not have considered...
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LCDR Aerospace Engineering Duty, Maintenance (AMDO and AMO)
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Indeed. It sounds like they took the conversation in a direction you didn't want, and brought in some things that you didn't want them to... but were they wrong? This is a public forum, and threads tend to drift around.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
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SPC Christopher Smith I do not think the problem is so much as comprehension, as it is, some will always pick and choose what they want to hear and see and disregard the rest.

Let me use a personal example. My wife and I have been separated for some time now. She has two college degrees and is currently working on her third. I say that to show that she does have a college level of reading comprehension.

When we have an argument, especially when it is concerning whose at fault concerning our marriage, we both tend to pick and choose what we want to believe. I can say one thing and mean it in a positive way, yet she can receive it negatively.

Many points in a debate depend on point of view. I for one have trouble conveying my thoughts in a cohesive manner at times, therefore, I am misunderstood. The previous paragraph is a good example of that.

I do not think the issue is as much about comprehension as it is perspective. This can be amplified when the subject matter is of an emotional nature.

To answer your question, the best way to address it, is to make sure you are conveying your thoughts better to prevent the accidental misunderstanding. Communication is a two way street, and regardless of how well you communicate your ideas there are always gonna be those who are stuck on a one way street.
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SPC Christopher Smith
SPC Christopher Smith
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Thank you, this gives me something to really think about.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
LCpl Steve Wininger
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SPC Christopher Smith You are welcome. I would also add that critical thinking skills, to include reading, are not used too much when it comes to a subject that one has already made up their mind about. This applies to all subjects.
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SPC Christopher Smith
SPC Christopher Smith
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That, good sir, is true.
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