Why you are misunderstood

And what to do about it

by George Silverman

Did you ever consider that miscommunication is the norm, not the exception?

You will be misunderstood. Communication is a sloppy mess. Words, gestures, and facial expressions are vague and ambiguous. They are only approximate representations of reality. They have implications, connotations, and hidden meanings. They will be misinterpreted, depending on the other person’s experience and belief systems. They will be distorted by people’s defenses.

That’s the given. The question is:

How can we be misunderstood less?

Most people’s communication skills could use a LOT of improvement. That’s a big opportunity to stand out for your clarity and the ease of your communication. People listen to people who are clear because clear people make listeners feel smart. It’s a thrill to listen to a clear communicator. You are always learning new stuff without a struggle.

Yet most people don’t put any time into their Communication Skills.

Communication is just getting something that’s in your head into somebody else’s head.

The key to clear communication is to put your intention on being clear.

• Assume FULL responsibility for the other person getting it.
• Ask yourself, “What would make it crystal clear?”
• What misconceptions are they likely to have?
• What’s absolutely essential? Stop there.
• Keep it simple. Make it easy.
• Avoid Expert Blindness: Knowing everything except what it’s like to know nothing. Write for a 12-year-old.
• Keep it short. Less modifiers. Less preamble. More pithy, less rambling examples. CUT, CUT. CUT.

CUT (Much more to come). Follow for more