Introduction: We Need to Talk
Communication is a bit like love – it’s what makes the world go round, but
nobody really knows how it works. Communication is something natural,
something everyday even, yet most of us have only a vague notion of the
rules that govern it. Day in, day out, we ask questions, read, explain, write,
listen, argue, discuss or hold our tongues. But only a few of us have the
necessary tools to improve the way we communicate or to understand how
we’re being communicated with. This was the starting point for our
exploration of communication theory.
For this book we delved into some of the most important
communication theories, assessed their relevance, condensed them,
simplified them in the form of diagrams, and applied them to modern-day
challenges. We also enhanced them with practical tips and methods. The
result: forty-four up-to-date approaches for dealing with eternal problems,
from relationships to job interviews, fake news to the filter-bubble effect,
small talk to the annual presentation.
This book is actually an exhibition, which came about as follows: the
Museum of Communication in Bern, Switzerland, contacted us and asked
if we could explain the most important theories in communication history
in diagrams. Until 2030 you can experience this book live in the museum.