Communicating Clearly in the Workforce
Communication involves a sender transmitting a message to a receiver who must decode it by attaching meaning to the words or symbols.
Learn to Communicate Clearly
By Shelly Wilson
Even if a message does get to its intended receiver intact, there’s no guarantee that it will be understood as the sender intended it to be. Being clear and precise while communicating will help to avoid confusion during the communication process. This is important in day-to-day life as well as in the workforce. Illustrating how statements can be misunderstood by the listener, this article will provide more effective examples using unequivocal language.
The pathway to understanding (or misunderstanding) passes through the mind of the sender or receiver. The listener can understand the meaning of every word perfectly and still interpret a message in a way that is completely different from its intended meaning. Equivocal terms are those with two different, but equally acceptable or common, meanings. Using unequivocal terms will help to avoid misunderstandings that could arise specifically in casual conversations.
A simple statement can be perceived in several ways. Emphasis on certain words and vague terms can send a completely different message than the one the sender intended to send. Since the receiver is responsible for interpreting this message, a clear message should be sent.
Communication Example 1
The statement, “You did a heck of a job on that proposal,” could be interpreted as you did poorly on your work if the emphasis is placed on “heck,” but in reality, the sender probably meant that you did really well. To improve the clarity of the message, the sender should say, “I am really proud of the work you did preparing the proposal. You did a really good job researching the facts, checking the numbers, and preparing the bid.”
Communication Example 2
The statement, “There are just a few small problems to clear up,” could cause feelings of apprehension or inadequacy especially hearing the word problem. Perhaps, the sender just intended to say that he found a few typographical mistakes and once the corrections are made, the project will be finished. If so, the sender should have said, “I went over the paperwork and overall it looks good. I found a few typographical errors. I need you to make the corrections I’ve noted and it will be ready to submit.”
Communication Example 3
The statement, “I just need a little more time to finish the job,” is definitely ambiguous. The phrase “a little more time” can mean hours, days or weeks depending on the sender. Of course, the receiver of this message will probably think he means the shortest time span and should specifically ask the question, “What do you mean by a little more time?” The sender could reply, “I am almost finished with this project. I just need one more day to recheck my facts and proofread my report. I will have it on your desk in the morning by 10:00 a.m.”
Communication Example 4
The statement, “Your job performance hasn’t been good this year,” could be interpreted as your job performance was below average or average yet the sender intended it to mean that it was above average. In order to communicate clearly, he should say, “I know you have worked really hard and your job performance has been outstanding. You seldom miss work and your projects are always completed on time. I value you as an employee of this company.”
Although these scenarios are primarily business-related, these examples have shown that the listener can understand the meaning of every word perfectly and still interpret a message in a way that is completely different from its intended meaning. Applying these examples to your own real-life situations will assist you in understanding the importance of communicating clearly. Confusion can be avoided by simply using clear and specific terms to communicate. In doing so, the listener is more inclined to actually hear what the sender truly means.
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About the Author
Intuitive Medium, Reiki Master and Spiritual Teacher Shelly Wilson would love to assist you on your spiritual journey. With respect, truth, integrity and love, Shelly honors your free will and recognizes that you are co-creating your reality with the Universe. She offers private readings, intuitive coaching, Reiki sessions, and teaches workshops. Shelly’s book, 28 Days to a New YOU, is now available. Her courses, Stop Existing and Start Living! and Opening Your Heart to Love are available through the DailyOM. Shelly has a BS in Business with a minor in Psychology.
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