Continuing the idea we started: the focus in communication must be on the message received, not the message sent, let us look at language problems – starting with ours: You will need a CDL. Are you filing VFR or IFR? Make sure you bring the IEP to the CST meeting. Did HR collect his I-9 and make him aware of COBRA?
Sometimes we think of languages as being tied to a country or people – Spanish or French, perhaps even Chinese. That can present certain obvious problems; we will discuss in a later article. But, do we realize that even within our own language, there are some pretty confusing components?
Each profession and line of work has its language. They range from pretty simple – CDL (commercial drivers license), to very involved – special education services (IEP – individual education program, CST – child study team) .
Although it is impossible to be familiar with all abbreviations and acronyms, if we are going to communicate effectively, we have to be aware they exist, and that everyone may not be familiar with the ones used. Even more problematic are different understandings of the same letters – like the example below: the story of the water closet.
A newly married British couple looking for a house in the country, found one they decided was suitable. On their way home, the young wife happened to think that they had not noticed a water closet (toilet) in the place, so she decided to write to the real estate man about it.
Being very modest she hesitated about writing the word ”water closet,” so she referred to it as the WC. The real estate man interpreted it to mean the Western Church near there, and answered as follows:
Dear Madam:
I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take the pleasure of informing you that the WC is located about nine miles from here and is capable of seating 1266 people; this is very fortunate indeed.
If you are not in the habit of going regularly, no doubt you’ll be interested to know that a great many people take their lunch and make a day of it. Others, who cannot spare the time, usually arrive just in time, but are generally in too big a hurry to wait if the place is crowded.
The first time my wife and I went was six years ago, and we had to stand up all the time.
It might interest you to know they are planning to hold a bizarre in the near future to raise money for plush seats. I might mention that it pains me greatly to not be able to go more frequently. It surely is through no lack of desire, but as we grow older it seems more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. (The Wrong Bottom Line p.108).
To communicate effectively, be sure everyone understands not only any abbreviations, but also important terminology; not understanding may make funny stories, but not good businesses.
Next week: It is what they hear (part 3) but not what I meant.
Sometimes we think of languages as being tied to a country or people – Spanish or French, perhaps even Chinese. That can present certain obvious problems; we will discuss in a later article. But, do we realize that even within our own language, there are some pretty confusing components?
Each profession and line of work has its language. They range from pretty simple – CDL (commercial drivers license), to very involved – special education services (IEP – individual education program, CST – child study team) .
Although it is impossible to be familiar with all abbreviations and acronyms, if we are going to communicate effectively, we have to be aware they exist, and that everyone may not be familiar with the ones used. Even more problematic are different understandings of the same letters – like the example below: the story of the water closet.
A newly married British couple looking for a house in the country, found one they decided was suitable. On their way home, the young wife happened to think that they had not noticed a water closet (toilet) in the place, so she decided to write to the real estate man about it.
Being very modest she hesitated about writing the word ”water closet,” so she referred to it as the WC. The real estate man interpreted it to mean the Western Church near there, and answered as follows:
Dear Madam:
I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take the pleasure of informing you that the WC is located about nine miles from here and is capable of seating 1266 people; this is very fortunate indeed.
If you are not in the habit of going regularly, no doubt you’ll be interested to know that a great many people take their lunch and make a day of it. Others, who cannot spare the time, usually arrive just in time, but are generally in too big a hurry to wait if the place is crowded.
The first time my wife and I went was six years ago, and we had to stand up all the time.
It might interest you to know they are planning to hold a bizarre in the near future to raise money for plush seats. I might mention that it pains me greatly to not be able to go more frequently. It surely is through no lack of desire, but as we grow older it seems more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. (The Wrong Bottom Line p.108).
To communicate effectively, be sure everyone understands not only any abbreviations, but also important terminology; not understanding may make funny stories, but not good businesses.
Next week: It is what they hear (part 3) but not what I meant.
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