Constructive Ways to Avoid Communication Gaps
Every day presents a new chance to either communicate clearly, or to stumble into confusion, conflict, and hurt feelings. One of the biggest sources of communication conflict lies in the gap between what we say, and how that communication is received by others. In this dangerous gap, the impact we intend can be distorted, as the recipient makes meaning from our words, body language, and delivery, sometimes creating a story that is not what we originally intended. These misunderstandings, if left unaddressed, can fracture or even ruin business relationships, families, and friendships. Each person sends and receives the information through filters or lenses formed by their own history and experiences. We can minimize the size of this communication gap by doing the important work of remaining active, intentional participants in…