The illusion of communication

The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw famously once said, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

We often assume that communication happens simply by speaking our minds. However, true communication occurs only when the receiver understands our message correctly.

Here's 3 important things to keep in mind while communicating: 1. Meaning is in the interpretation: The words we choose are just symbols. Their meaning is shaped by the receiver's own experiences, knowledge, and expectations. 

2. Nonverbal communication matters: We communicate much more than just words. Our tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions can significantly impact how our message is received. 

3. Active listening is key: True communication requires not just speaking, but also actively listening to the other person's response and ensuring understanding.

Remember, communication is a two-way street. It's about ensuring that the message received is the same as the message intended.