Tag: information

Relationship between good communication and shared meaning

Everyday we are encouraged to communicate and cultivate a culture of good interactions through proper communication but what is communication? How do we ensure we are having good communication habits?

An image of people having a conversation. Communication is important aspect of any interactions. Photo/ Courtesy

So, what do you understand by the word communication? Communication is the process of intentionally conveying information using a certain medium which can range from word of mouth, writing, gesture or electronically. For communication to be complete there must be a shared meaning between the sender and the receiver.

Shared meaning can be described as a situation where the recipient of the information attaches the same meaning as the one the sender intended. It is important to note that sometimes a shared meaning may not be achieved right away and therefore further clarification is needed.

Having a shared meaning is important in situations like ;

  • When one is giving out instructions
  • During learning especially in schools
  • When passing information to an audience

Here are 5 factors that may affect how a message is interpreted. They include;

1. Environment where communication is taking place

Environment is the surroundings of an individual. This can be in the bedroom, outdoors or even at a bar. Interpretation of a message varies depending on the surrounding with which it happens.

For example ” You are beautiful ” can be interpreted as flirting in a bedroom setting but can also mean a compliment in a workplace or in a event.

Note how the meaning changes? If one is not clear then there is prone to be a communication disconnect.

2. Type of relationship existing between the sender and receiver

Relationship between the people communicating is important because it determines the choice of words and the tone to be used.

For instance like ” don’t be silly ” . Such a comment between people who are close can be interpreted as playful but the same words in an official setting can be seen as disrespect.

To avoid any confusion and ensure that one is not misinterpreted, the relationship status should be considered to ensure that there is a shared meaning.

3. Emotional state of the receiver

Sometimes knowing when to communicate is important to avoid misinterpretation. Emotional state of the receiver will affect how they will perceive some information and sometimes this may cause them to distort the intended meaning of the information.

For example, when one is angry prolonged silence while they are talking can be interpreted as a sign of not caring or one is guilty and does not know how to defend themselves. But in a calm emotional state silence can be interpreted as good listening.

Determining the state at which the receiver is at emotionally will ensure that one is careful with the choice of words and tone to avoid being misinterpreted.

4. Language used

Language to be used during a communication process is key. This is because it affects the understanding of the message. If the receiver does not understand the language used to convey the message then there will be no shared meaning.

For instance, a leader goes to a very remote village where they barely speak English and starts addressing them in advanced English. This forces them to assign meaning to the words depending on how they understand them which may not be the intended meaning.

This is a very good instance of communication disconnect caused by lack of a common language that will enable both the sender and receiver to be in a common understanding regarding the information being passed across.

5. Cultural background

Knowing the cultural background of the audience is very important. This is because you will know how to bridge the differences in meaning assigned to a word.

For example the word ” Wagon ” in the U.S means a wooden vehicle that is pulled by a mule or a horse but the same word in Ireland means unpleasant woman.

As you can see the information may be misinterpreted just by a variation in meaning of a word in different cultures. In this situation, the sender can decide to be specific by providing an explanation where necessary or avoid the word completely.

We can see how shared meaning plays a vital role in communication. Lack of shared meaning has often led to conflicts and poor performance especially in a situation where employees or students do not understand instructions very well.

Are you rigid? Benefits of having an open mind

We have often interacted with people who would rather ‘die’ than listen to a contrary opinion. Our parents are a good example, it is almost impossible to introduce something new to them. Having a conversation with them is very hard because they stand firm by what they believe in. This trait is associated with people who are close minded. So who is a close minded individual? This is a person not willing to consider a different opinion or idea.

Open-mindedness which is the opposite of closed-mindedness is very important for our wellbeing. Some of the character traits associated with an open-minded individual include:

  • Good conversationalists
  • Excellent listeners
  • Not judgemental
  • Lack biasness
  • Understanding

This article will highlight the importance of having open-mindedness in our day to day activities.

Benefits of practicing open- mindedness

1. Important in decision making

Before making a decision about an issue one must ensure they get all the facts and weigh them for a good judgement. keeping an open mind will always come in handy. Before electing your preferred leader in an election they would always campaign and sell their agenda and manifesto so that you can choose who you see fit for the position. Just imagine being close minded how will you be able to make a good decision? Always strive to keep an open mind and not choose someone because you believe they are good. Listening to those you might not like at first may change your perception of them.

2. Personal growth

Personal growth can only happen when one is willing to learn new things and ideas. Having an open mind will ensure that you listen to other people’s opinions and in the process make adjustments to what you already had. What we believe to be right may not always be right and therefore listening to what other people have to say enables us identify where we are going wrong and correct our mistakes.

3. Healthy and long lasting relationships

Inorder to mentain a healthy relationship, accommodating each other’s opinion and ideas is very important. Your relationship with your spouse, family, friends and even workmates depends on how open minded you are. This is because everyone will be comfortable sharing their opinions without fear of it being ignore.

4. Avoid unnecessary conflicts

We have all come across that one person who forces their ideas and opinions on others to the extent they get violent. Exercising open mindedness will limit conflicts as people will disagree to agree on a healthy manner. In the long run, they will all be satisfied even if they don’t agree. Healthy conversations are important for peace and harmony to reign.

5. Important for career development and growth

Having an open mind will always create good relationship with your workmates consequently you will be able to learn new ideas and tricks that will kickstart your career growth journey. Willingness to learn is very important to avoid stagnation . We are living in a society that is constantly changing, technology is the new norm. Having an open mind will ensure you are taking in new information and adjusting how you do things in your workplace.

6. Improves your intellectual ability

Being ready to take in new information and ideas will increase your knowledge basket. Most people who are deemed intelligent are often open minded. You can hear something new and instead of dismissing the information you go ahead to find out more.

7. Have new experiences

There is a phrase saying ‘just because you have not travelled you will always think your mother is the best cook’ This is equivalent to a close minded person. Having an open mind will enable you to explore and have new experiences. Trying out new staff is intriguing and you can find new hobbies or new favorite dish.

Having an open mind is an important practice and everyone should strive to achieve it at all cost but one should be careful to avoid cognitive dissonance. Are you open- minded?