Mastering the Art of Communication

Eric Stone
3 min readSep 1, 2023

I can’t Practice what I cannot Distinguish

© 2023 Philippe Benichou

Beneath the surface of every polished performance lies the crucial skill of distinguishing. For instance, in sports or dance, athletes and performers must distinguish between precise movements and body positions. This allows them to execute intricate routines, maintain balance, and perform with grace and precision. A chef relies on their ability to distinguish between various flavors and textures in ingredients. This skill enables them to create well-balanced and delicious dishes by combining ingredients that complement each other while avoiding clashes in taste and texture.

People say practice makes perfect. In truth, you cannot practice what you cannot distinguish because the foundation of practice rests on recognizing and refining distinctions, not blind repetition.

The ability to make distinctions while communicating or delivering a speech or presentation grants you greater control over your message and skills. Technique, too, hinges on the power of distinction. Neglecting to distinguish gestures or postures as tools for audience impact can significantly diminish your effectiveness.

In the realm of speaking and communication, there exist two fundamental dimensions that demand our attention: the world of thoughts and the world of physical sensations. These…

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Eric Stone

In personal growth & development, great outcomes come from authentic shifts in perspective! These essays aim to catalyze awareness and empower creative thinking