We need to be on the same wavelength, here, in this place.  Communication is effective when the ideas in Ralph’s mind is successfully transferred to Fred’s mind, in the exact same form.  The test for this is when Fred can relate back to Ralph the very same idea in his own words-not memorized-understood.  That was easy.  That happens all of the time.  Ha!

Webster says, “COMMUNICATION, noun. 1. The act of imparting, conferring, or delivering, from one to another; as the communication of knowledge, opinions or facts. 2. Intercourse by words, letters or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means.”

There is no check in that system!  We see this all of the time.  “I told you, so you know”.  How many disasters, big and small, has that caused?  Research done, plans made, money spent…only to find out it was all wrong.  So, we need to focus on Effective Communication if we are going to be successful here.

Let’s dispel a myth.  Just because I can relate back, in an effective way, something that you are communicating to me doesn’t mean that I believe it to be true or that it is my opinion.  It only means that I understand what you are saying.  This happens to me all of the time!  I start with, “What you are saying is…(and I share it in my words), then they say, “Good, we are on the same page”.  Uh, excuse me, I was acknowledging that I understood not that I agreed!  But we will save that for our discussion about arguing. 

The keys to Effective Communication are rooted in delivering the information in a way that can be understood, and on the receiving end-actually listening then continuing the intercourse until the information is common in both minds.  At that point (and only at that point) can it be said that it was communicated.

This applies to all forms of communication.  Actually, it can be necessary to draw a picture or a process or an equation to be successful.  Or to “go and see”.  If it is important, take the time to do it right. The communicator carries the responsibility.  If the student didn’t learn, the teacher didn’t teach.