8 October 2009
What Conversation Are You Having?
Posted by Moss under: communication .
Just because you’re talking doesn’t necessarily mean you’re really saying anything useful.
Our research suggests most people don’t clearly understand what another person is intending to communicate. Perhaps 60% is understood. Within 24 hours, most of the conversation is forgotten, misinterpreted or distorted. What you don’t accurately remember, you’ll probably fill in the blanks with information that supports your beliefs and opinions.
A key to clear communication is clarifying what conversation a partner is having. Given the rush of everyday events, responding to challenges and demands of others, and managing a business, it is common for partners to say something on the run, leave a sparse voicemail or e-message and assume clear and focused communication has occurred.
Think before you open your mouth. Give your partner a fair chance of understanding your intent. Be clear about what conversation you are having:
- Are you expressing an opinion?
- Are you making a request?
- Are you simply venting an upset and expecting nothing back?
- Are you lodging a complaint?
- Are you brainstorming and throwing out another idea?
Bottom Line
- Determine what you want to accomplish, think about your intention and choose a conversation that makes sense, not necessarily to you, but to your partner.
- Work to improve your partner’s level of understanding. Be focused, be clear, and be simple!
