Conversations often result in unexpected actions. Despite our belief that clear communication has happened it becomes clear that participants walked away with very different conclusions – and proceeded to act on them. The issue is typically one of common context – a key component in the It’s Understood communication model. Establishing common context is an important prerequisite to effective communication.
Abbot and Costello provide a classic (and hilarious) example of this type of miscommunication:
It’s important to remind ourselves that no two brains think alike. We need to establish common ground to ensure the content we discuss during our contact results in meaningful connection. Effective conversation requires conscious attention to each of these factors.