I'm intrigued by the difference between what people say and what we hear.
Communication is such a nebulous exercise. Especially with the rise of non-verbal communication in the form of texting, email, tweeting, FB posts and more. If communicating was challenging before our digital age, think how complex it is today.
We listen based on our own perspectives and experiences. We read based on those aspects plus whatever is going on around us. At least with a conversation we are somewhat focused on the person we're speaking with, or listening to, in the case of an audience experience. When we read a message - we may have lots of other things happening at the same time. That leads to even more opportunity for confusion or just plain mistaken perception.
That's why context is so important to communication.
We help our audiences hear our message when we communicate contextually, with stories or examples that bring home the power of the message we're sharing. That way everyone is on the same page, and we actually can hear what is being communicated.
When we throw out a concept to stand on its own, we leave too much to chance.
I laughed when a friend sent me some funny and oh-so-true cartoons about men and women attempting to communicate - in true Mars and Venus style. The fundamental issues aren't just in male-female relationships, they are all around us, personally and in business. We often hear something so much different than what is said - or written. Simply because of our own filters. How do we adapt those filters so that communication has a better chance?
When we share a concept in context - communication happens.
I just had to share a couple of the cartoons. No offense meant to anyone. I'm sharing because I think they are funny - and valuable to consider in our communications. Hope you enjoy!
Comments