# The Tale of Appropriateness: A Star Wars Sleepy-time Story
## Section 1 – The Scenery and Characters
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, in a professional setting, the Jedi were gathered in a meeting room discussing the importance of communication. The room was filled with high-tech equipment and holographic displays.
There was Yoda, the wise and experienced master of the Jedi Order, sitting at the head of the table. On one side sat Obi-Wan Kenobi, the veteran Jedi Knight, and opposite him was Anakin Skywalker, the young and impulsive Padawan. Mace Windu, the senior member of the council, was also present, as were other Jedi Masters and Knights.
## Section 2 – Main Part
Yoda cleared his throat and began the meeting. “Welcome, fellow Jedi. Today, we will discuss a fundamental truth in communication: appropriateness. The key to effective communication in professional settings is knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Miss this, we cannot.”
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. “Yes, Yoda. Inappropriate communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and even disaster.”
Anakin, however, was impatient. “But Master, why do we have to always be so formal and proper? Why can’t we just say what we mean?”
Mace Windu intervened. “Anakin, it’s not about being formal or proper. It’s about being respectful, considerate, and mindful of others. You need to learn when to speak up and when to hold back.”
The discussion went on for some time, with each Jedi sharing their experiences and insights. They talked about the importance of listening, empathy, clarity, and tone. They also discussed the pitfalls of sarcasm, jokes, slang, and vulgarity.
At one point, C3PO, the golden protocol droid, entered the room and interrupted the meeting with his usual prattle. “Excuse me, gentlemen, but I believe I have the perfect example of what not to say in a professional setting. It goes like this: ‘Why did the Sith cross the road? To get to the dark side!’”
There was a collective groan from the Jedi, and even R2D2, the astromech droid, beeped disapprovingly.
Eventually, the meeting came to a close, and the Jedi left the room, each with a renewed commitment to appropriateness in their communication. They knew that the Force was with them, but they also knew that they had to use their words wisely.
## Section 3 – Summary and Key to Take Away
In summary, the key to effective communication in professional settings is appropriateness. This means being mindful of the context, the audience, and the purpose of your message. It means using the right words, in the right tone, at the right time. It means avoiding inappropriate language, humor, or behavior that can undermine your credibility, respect, and impact. It means being a Jedi master of communication.
The takeaway from this story is that communication is not just about the words you say, but also about the way you say them. If you want to be a successful communicator, in any setting, you need to develop your appropriateness skills. This requires practice, reflection, and feedback. But by using the Force of appropriateness, you can achieve great things.
## Section 4 – Quote
As Yoda would say, “Choose your words wisely, Jedi, you must. Speak the truth, but with respect. The path of appropriateness leads to greatness, it does.”