Communication consists of three elements: a sender, a message, and a receiver.

The sender writes or speaks a message; the receiver reads or listens to the message. When the receiver understands the sender’s intended meaning, successful communication has occurred.

Sounds simple, right? But as we all know, communicating successfully is anything but easy.

Two main factors disrupt the process of communication:
1.     Filters employed by the brain to sort all the information that comes at us each day.
2.    “Noise” = all the things that distract us from speaking with intention and listening with attention

While clear communication starts with being clear about what you want to say, taking time to put yourself in the mind of your receiver increases the likelihood that successful communication will occur.

Ask yourself these questions about your interlocutor(s):
·     How much do they already know about the topic?
·     Will they understand the jargon or technical terminology?
·     How might they interpret this message, given their background and knowledge?
·     Are you aware of any prejudices or attitudes related to the topic they might hold?
·     Is this topic a priority for them?

Answering these questions before you prepare your message and employing the answers as you create it may reduce the “noise,” circumvent the filters and make successful communication more likely.

It will also enhance your reputation as a careful and considerate communicator.