Why We find it so Hard to be Good Communicators

Hard to find Good Communicators

Miscommunication has started wars on a global scale, but more so in our daily lives. It is why phrases like “talk it out” and “listen” are usually the benchmark of what one requires to have a meaning conversation in a social setting. It is likely that you have been in a situation where, despite your best ability, you still were not able to put your message across? Let’s explore why that likely happened.

Entertain the thought that you don’t have the full picture

Have you and your colleague been in a similar meeting but your reports were vastly different, recommendations included? Even on a personal level, we might have listened to a friend give a narrative of an event, and your first thought was, “How come I don’t remember that?” Data from behavioral research and understanding how our brains process information we find that our brain doesn’t retain all the information coming at it, simply because it cannot.

When you’re in an argument with someone or note you have a lot of differing opinions, learn to appreciate that you might not have a full picture. A long-term disability lawyer Toronto holds in esteem would be better placed to explain why it causes strain than someone with no family member with a disability. Therefore, you could be doing your best to become an excellent communicator and put your point across, but be humble enough to know you could learn a thing or two.

We don’t speak the same English

Our use of words can also drastically affect our ability to communicate. A classic example is perceptions of feminism. One person could label the movement strong while the other forceful. However, when you tell them to break it down, the points align. The differences come based on our perception and experiences, yet everything is similar sounding.

Words hold meaning for different people. It is why a child might like being called a princess and an older woman find it condescending. It narrows down to what words mean to us. We need to have the awareness that culture does influence words, despite your speaking the same language. Therefore, to be better at communicating, go the extra mile to find out what a person means when they use certain words, especially those that have to do with emotions. Share what your understanding is and ask if you’re accurate, and pick the conversation up from there.

Good intentions aren’t everything

If you’ve heard the phrase “But I thought they were a nice person” it is perhaps a case of good intentions gone wrong. Seemingly reasonable people can do bad things, even if they deem their reason justifiable. Intentions carry with them an assumption that what you’re doing and saying is right, automatically blocking communication from taking place. The response you get is an excellent indicator of where they matter.