Components of Language

Components of LanguageDifficultiesLanguage is inherently ambiguous.

Typically, the Message Sender see only one possible interpretation.

The Sender of the message may purposely use language that has multiple interpretations.I am going down to the bank.

The pressure not to ask for clarification can be immense such as fear of humiliation.

People are the key to our success. Corporate or the politicians reply according to the audience.Difficulties continuedThe Receiver may purposely misunderstand.

The Receiver may constructively understand the message.

Because ambiguity permeates all messages, thoughtful understanding is essential.

I want the report. Oh, I thought you meant Monday.

Always assume positive intent your whole approach to a person or problem will be different if you are positive.

Take the time to listen and to ask questions.ConsiderIf communicators do not share assumptions about the context High-context cultures communicate in ways which depend on shared experiences Low-context cultures communicate in explicit ways with formalized agreementsThen they frequently misunderstand one another.

Because they tend to have collectivist values e.g. Japan and Middle East countries

Because they stress individual values e.g. Germany, Sweden, United StatesContext BuildingIt is misleading to believe that

Situations are commonly experienced but

Context infuses our day-to -day being

Context exists independent of anyones presence

Context is individualistic there is not one common context there are many.

With accurate and inaccurate assumptions, useful and useless interpretations , valuable and valueless sensitivitiesConsider Past communications build a powerful set of contextual clues

Many messages contain important secondary information Crying wolf too often. Berating by the boss makes one suspect of praise. The positive Success breeds Success also paints a picture.

When I was working on the Hill I was involved in International Economic concerns.Content Content consists of

Content cannot alone produce meaning

Decoding the message means The actual words, gestures, or behaviors of senders.

Meaning requires context for proper interpretation.

Understanding it within the context of the organization and the position of the senderErgo Know the context in which the employees interpret actions and messages.Employee expectations are the silent measures of the messages.Frame the message carefully.Artfully accentuate certain interpretations so that you can chisel away at possible misinterpretation.The bigger the populations, the more misinformation will spread.There is no worse lie than a truth misunderstood by those who hear it.Ways to reduce misinterpretations:Follow up with: I am not saying X; I am not saying Y. Narrow the possible misunderstandings and wrong interpretations.

Keep on the topic. Do not go off on tangents.

Stay focused on the important issues.

The knowledge base must be firm.Then why did my message breakdown???????