What does perception do to effective communication?
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By Lauren Abraham Show Have you ever felt misunderstood? Sometimes, communicating is not easy. We’ve all been in a situation where we think we are communicating one thing, but it is perceived as something completely different by someone else. When this happens, it can change the course of a conversation. What was once a positive interaction can quickly turn into a conflict that spirals out of control. So, how do we avoid this? Perception checking is a very valuable skill in communication. It brings clarity and understanding to relationships. The process of perception checking is just as simple as it sounds. The listener in a conversation simply repeats what the speaker said or describes something they did in order to verify they understood it correctly. This gives the speaker the opportunity to explain themselves again if it was not perceived accurately. There are many benefits that come with perception checking: Build RelationshipsPerception checking allows individuals to fully understand each other. As a result, greater levels of intimacy can be reached. In addition, the process of perception checking shows that you are tuned in to what the other person has to say (Hawkins, 2009). It shows you are invested in the person and willing to take the relationship to a deeper level. Avoid ConflictPerception checking helps to calm down heated situations (Hawkins, 2009). In conflict, we often become frustrated because we feel as though the other person doesn’t understand us. However, perception checking allows for individuals to feel as though their voice is heard and their opinion is valued. Increase CommunicationFinally, perception checking leads to other positive communication practices. It creates an environment where individuals can self-disclose, validate another’s experience and practice active listening skills (Hawkins, 2009). Ultimately, perception checking strengthens relationships. It is a very important tool to use in a variety of different kinds of relationships, whether it be family, friend, coworker or romantic relationships. I challenge you to implement perception checking in your relationships. While it may be hard to do in certain situations, the benefits will be great in the long run. Once you begin practicing perception checking, others will be inspired to do the same. GCU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers liberal arts degrees that help you develop the skills you need to succeed in many fields. To learn more, visit our website or contact us using the green Request More Information button at the top of the page. Reference:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date. Effective communication comes from a deeper understanding of your own perceptions and the perceptions of others. For example, communicating value means different things to different people. I am continually learning the distinction between “expensive” and “valuable.” I think it is human nature to assume that as price increases, value must inherently increase as well. We know that is not always the case, but that it depends on how each individual perceives things differently. Calculating the value of things you do every single day may be the first place you go naturally or the last. Either way, this idea is a major engine in your decision-making machine. You are running this ever-prevalent and simplified formula in your head, no matter if you’re buying a car or a candy bar: Value=benefit/cost The basic logic: when this formula comes out to be greater than 1.00, you are getting more benefit than the cost. Both variables may seem straightforward, but that is where our preferences come in. You will perceive costs differently depending on if you include details such as hidden fees, opportunity costs and the cost of your time. Or you may calculate the cost just as what is on the price tag. You may also calculate the intangible benefit of experience or connection. Each one is fine because you are determining what the value of something is to you and to you alone. Another aspect of this concept is the fact that on any given item, you can spend any amount of money making it either cheap, expensive or valuable. Take a simple t-shirt for example. Here is one for $7.99, very cheap. Here is one for $213,000, very expensive. However, the man who bought the $213,000 shirt called the purchase a “dream come true,” and fulfilled one of his “greatest passions.” These claims makes it valuable to him, and him alone based on his personal approach. The value formula applies to our business world in everyday settings. Communication will be more effective the more you understand perceptions and the more you tailor your interactions accordingly. Let’s take a look at how you can do that in a few different scenarios:
No matter if you are trying to communicate value to members of your team, or trying to understand it better for yourself, first understand how you perceive value or how your audience perceives it. This will make for much more efficient interactions and effective communication. What are 3 ways perception can influence communication?List 3 ways perceptions can influence communication. Any three of the following: Perceptions help us to decide on a channel, Perceptions help us to choose a message, Perceptions are shared through communication, Perceptions can be created through communication.
How does perception affect communication in the workplace?Perception issues in workplace communication can lead to a number of distortions, which are biases or judgments of others. This is where problems in communication can develop. Stereotypes, projections and halo effects are all types of distortions.
What factors influence perception in communication?THE INFLUENCES ON PERCEPTION
These may include characteristics such as our age, gender, physical characteristics, cultural background, past experiences, and even our present mood. Your awareness of these factors will help you understand the perception process more clearly.
How does perception hinder communication?In simple terms, perception barriers are mental blocks that are the result of internal biases we have of people or events around us. They disrupt effective communication because they prevent us from having healthy conversations with others.
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