language: friend or foe?

this is a subject i've been thinking a lot about: communication. specifically, the english language.

there are some people who use this language brilliantly, expressing their thoughts in a concise manner or perhaps weaving flowery tales that make even the most simple of things sound elegant. but i think that this is not the norm. i see and hear about more miscommunication in this world. admittedly, it's not only spoken/written language that's failed people, but the unspoken information that we convey with our body language, tone and inflections. and perhaps this is only true among some languages and not others.

try this: explain to me, using the written word (leave it in the comments), how to tie a shoelace. do your best to use technical language and avoid "made-up" techniques (i.e. "make bunny ears with the lace and then put the thingie in the loop..."). i would like to be able to read the description and follow along holding a shoe with laces.

good luck!