Write a short note on empathy as an element of public relations.

Empathy is one of the four main elements of public relations. It means looking at things and events from the other person's point of view. It requires that the communicator be in tune with the communicatee.

Key Features:

1. Understanding Others' Perspective — A good speaker should know the emotions and sentiments of his audience. One should put themselves in the shoes of the listener before speaking.

2. Sensitivity — Empathy enables an executive to be sensitive and sympathetic to the attitudes, expectations and problems of workers and clients.

3. Different from Sympathy — Empathy is feeling with the other person, whereas sympathy means feeling sorry for the other person.

4. You Attitude — Empathy can be created in communications by adopting the 'you attitude'. For example, in writing letters, one should avoid 'I' and 'We' and instead use 'You'.

5. Improves Relationships — Empathy fosters greater understanding and improves relationship with clients. It tells an executive when to talk and when to remain silent.