LINES OF COMMUNICATION


 DIRECTING
 "Make sure you mix the powder thoroughly and evenly."
 "No, not like that! I've shown you twice already!"
 NURTURING
 "You have made a very good job of that crib-nzuri sana!"
 "Let me show you how it is done!"
 COMPUTING
 "How long have the cobs been in the crib?"
 "I will call again in two weeks time."
 REACTING
 "I know you have had a lot of experience of doing this, so please show me."
 "I'm getting fed up with this job. No one wants to listen to me!"
 VENTING
 "Great! I'm enjoying this. Let's have another go!"
 "Actually, I couldn't care less whether you listen to me or not. I just want to
 get this over quickly and get home!"



Directing

The directing line is used when we are telling someone what to do.
We are in control and feel free to give an order or make a criticism.
The two examples show a positive and a negative use of the line. If
you are giving a demonstration then such "directing" words come
naturally, without an authoritarian tone, and they will not cause
offence.


Nurturing

We use the nurturing line when we are showing our concern for
someone. It is as if we are in the role of a "nurturing parent" -
expressing care or looking after someone's interests. Compared
with the relative coldness of directing, the tone of nurturing is
warm and encouraging-as in the first example.

But we can sometimes overdo the "parenting" approach and fall
into a patronizing tone-or do something for people when they are