Like all the other lines, venting has its positive and its negative
aspects. It would be much more fun to spend an evening out with
a spontaneous Ventor than with any other of the characters in this
list-but we would have to be prepared to witness some selfish and
irresponsible behaviour at times!
Whenever we interact with someone else, we have a choice about
which of these communication lines to use. All have their positive
and negative effects. The key factor is our decision about which is
appropriate in any given situation.
For example, if a farmer is clearly upset about the sickness of his
cattle, then we would be sensible to recognize his emotions first. We
might only be able to get into communication with him if we adopt
the nurturing line-it would not be the time to launch straight into
the computer line of giving him information about insecticides for
the treatment of his maize. However, if we have relevant informa-
tion about the treatment of his cattle, then he might soon be ready
to engage on that line with us-about, first, the problem of his cattle
and, second, even his maize.
There are, then, two basic skills in establishing a relation-
ship:
 an ability to use all five lines of
 communication;
 O a sensitivity to which is the most appropriate
 one to use on any particular occasion.
You might find it interesting and revealing to try out your own
ability to operate in each of these lines-because each one of us
finds some easier to use than others. Persuade a friend or colleague
to engage in an experiment with you. Hold a conversation where
you both deliberately take up all five lines in turn. You will soon
discover your own strengths and weaknesses. Then reflect on your
relationships with farmers and try to identify the usual approaches
you take.
Effective communicators have the facility to plug in and
change between the five lines like a fast and nimble tele-
phone switchboard operator!
To decide which of the lines to use with any particular farmer, you
need to know him fairly well-and to sense specific concerns on any
one occasion. This means that you will need to be skilful at the
receiving end of the communication model we discussed in Chap-
ter One. You need to be a good listener as well as a good talker. If,
for example, you discover a farmer is troubled about school fees,