Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, December 7, 2024
Just about a month ago I received an email from one of our church members who leads a committee. His email was a standard request for committee members to attend a meeting online. Nothing out of the ordinary.
However, at the end of the email were some responses. You’ve seen the usual kind—they most often say things like “Thanks, I’ll be there,” or “Sorry I can’t make it.” In other words, the polite responses you might give in person.
But look at the ones in the photo above. I have absolutely no clue what in the message might have triggered their negative tone. Often the Artificial Intelligence machinery catches, or thinks it catches, clues from the email’s subject or phrasing, and generates what it thinks are appropriate options.
Well, none of these were appropriate. And they showed that the AI machinery just didn’t have a clue. It wasn’t really listening.
Listening—really listening—is not only a valuable skill to use, but is the deepest possible compliment to the person you’re using it with. I remember Chuck, one of our church members, talking with me in our noisy church foyer. Actually, I was the one doing the talking, and Chuck stood there, eyes riveted on my face, his voice making understanding and comprehending noises in response. And when he did respond, he paused thoughtfully to make sure his replies were carefully thought through.
Did you know that the Bible talks about how important listening is? Check out the three verses at the link just below.