Context Matters in Communication

Recently, I had a conversation with a family member on a casual video call, and I shared about how school was going for me, what I have been learning, and an area where they could help me. However, I failed to consider how the content I had been studying would land for them. The material I had been immersed in was unfamiliar to them, and I didn't realize the level of discomfort it would cause them.

I was surprised when I received pushback from my family member, questioning my source credibility and presenting a different perspective than mine on the content. I felt inadequate and unprepared for the level of disbelief they expressed.

Pivot to Practice

The incident made me realize that context matters in communication, and it is essential to understand some building blocks my conversation partners may need before engaging in discussions. I'm going to begin talking about definitions with people to ground ourselves in the topic before going forward with content sharing. This context will matter and allow me to verify the base level of understanding. I will also be more mindful of how I introduce the material I've been studying to friends and family. In doing so, it could help me adapt my approach and be better prepared to engage with any disbelief that may arise.

Reflection

To avoid making the same mistake in the future, I am going to make an effort to spend longer in setting the stage to get to know my audience better and adapt my explanations accordingly. I want to be able to identify where they are in their understanding and present information in a way that is more relatable to them. This way, I can ensure that the discomfort I'm causing is intentional and can provide the necessary context for them to better connect with the content.

I was able to avoid othering this family member in this instance because I leaned into my curiosity. As much as I initially wanted to blow off their ideas because of the misalignment of our beliefs, I got curious. I wanted to know more about where they were coming from and how they arrived at these conclusions. I'm hopeful that with closer examination I'll be able to see the underlying value of their ideas. Who knows, something in them might help me grow.

In This Instance

I learned that communication is not just about what you say; it's also about how you say it and who you say it to. Being aware of the context in which I communicate is essential to ensure that I'm understood, and my message lands with my audience. I could ask things like, "What concerns did this content raise for you? What sources of hope did it provide?" By remembering that not everyone is at the same level of understanding as I am, it's crucial to adapt my approach accordingly.