Perception of Business Communication

On this page, how did you begin reading? The upper left-hand corner Why not the bottom or top right corner? From the top of the page to the bottom, we read left to right in English. However, not everyone interprets the text in the same way. You will read and write Arabic or Hebrew from right to left if you read and write Arabic or Hebrew. Neither is correct or incorrect; both are unique. While driving on the opposite side of the road may be difficult for visitors to England, it is commonplace and natural for British citizens.

This concept can be expanded in a variety of ways. Assume you're giving a sales presentation to a group of people who are significantly older or younger than you. Their mental "road map" may be significantly different from yours in terms of words to use to communicate thoughts, references to music or movies, and even expectations for courting activities. Even if your sales message is centered on a product such as a car or a service such as car washing, preconceived notions about both must be addressed.

how many television commercials have you seen that feature a song from a specific era, such as the 1980s or the 1960s? The music is a great example of how to target a specific demographic with something unique, such as a well-known song. When speaking or writing, the reader is influenced by your style, tone, and word choice. The greater the degree to which you can personalize your message to their needs, the more effective your message will be overall. These differences in perspective have an impact on communication, and being able to perceive not only your own but also others' perspectives will help you become more "other-oriented" and improve communication.

It'll be difficult since you have a mental road plan that leads you to the solution now that you know where it is. The mental condition in which you couldn't see or perceive it is no longer present. Your audience has a mental road map that incorporates values, experiences, beliefs, problem-solving skills, and even behavioral expected scripts. In order to converse from a common ground, you must examine the maps as attentively as possible.

The 

preunderstanding, or a set of expectations and assumptions based on prior experience that we apply to a new problem or circumstance. 

We depend on our past experiences to help us achieve our goals, even though the circumstances are vastly different. 

Because we foresee or apply our mental template to what we think will happen, we "understand" before we experience.

Our views are influenced by our expectations. When a teacher says, "I need to see you after class," you might think to yourself, "What have I done?" Why am I here? "What is it that he or she desires?" You might even recall past times when you were in a similar scenario. This may contribute to a poor impression of the encounter, and you may be startled to hear that the teacher only wanted to share information about a scholarship opportunity with you. The same is true for your target audience. As a speaker, they will have certain expectations of you.

Conventions are "the expected conventional forms and configurations (of communication)". You've probably come across the terms "conventional" and "conventional oven" before. This refers to a conventional oven with a heat source rather than a microwave oven. Who decided that a stove should have burners on top and an oven door that opens from the front? Why are there four burners instead of three or two? Many modern stoves feature ceramic burners built into the top of the oven, or even separate from the oven, on the top of the counter. These new applications "expand" the idea of what constitutes a stove's standard.

Every day, people rely on norms to guide them. Which side of the plate will the spoon be on? The response is "correct" in a formal setting. If you're attending a potluck supper, though, you might be given a plate with all of your cutlery, including the spoon, placed on top. Alternatively, you might come across a stack of spoons next to the plates and need to get one for yourself. There are a set of conventions in place in each scenario that we use to guide conduct and set expectations. Eating with your fingers during a formal supper may be considered unusual or even impolite. At a potluck, the same acts may be the dominant convention, as in everyone does it.

Conventions are constantly in existence in corporate communication. You must regard the audience's expectations, and you must retain an open mind about the importance of those expectations; yet, you must also fulfill your aim of informing, persuading, or motivating them. If you offer a sales message and receive no responses, you'll need to reconsider what you said and devise new techniques. A smart initial step in grabbing and holding your audience's attention is to provide a new perspective while adapting to their expectations and establishing common ground.

We frequently make assumptions about what people are saying and connect the dots in ways that the speaker did not intend. As a corporate communicator, your job is to help the audience connect the dots in the way you want them to while avoiding alternative ideas that might confuse or split them.

Preparing yourself for the writing process by making sure you understand before connecting the connections and establishing false expectations is a good idea. Do you have any idea what the task is? Are the objectives and outcomes well-defined? Do you know who you're talking to? All of these ideas support the primary theme that in business and industry, clear and straightforward communication is essential.

Interpretation

The third phase in the perception process is interpretation, which comes after selection and arrangement. You assign meaning to current stimuli based on your prior experiences and current expectations. What comes to mind for you when you hear the word "college"? What does the CMAT (Aptitude Test) imply to a high school student who needs to take it first thing in the morning? Will his anxiousness and excitement about the upcoming exam and the unknown word of college have an impact on how he responds to that term? While his parents ask, "Where do you plan on going to college?" when he is simply concentrating on the test that may affect his alternatives, the phrase may take on a whole new meaning. It may raise control concerns ("Which college should I attend?"). "Are you going to the same college we went to?") or self-esteem ("Am I good enough to go to college?") to be associated with the word "college." 

The definition of the word itself may change over time. Assume the high school youngster fared well on the CMAT and attended the same university as his parents. Is it the same college, or are the buildings and location the same? It may have a history, but it is also fresh and ever-changing, much like the kids that enroll each year. After a few years, college may be remembered as a place where you studied, made friends, and learned about yourself. You have the option of joining the alumni organization in a few years. The meaning of the term "college" can change through time and amongst individuals, and it can imply different things to different groups.

Socioeconomic position, parental and peer influences, and the necessity to work to support yourself or your family are all structural hurdles that might influence your actions and perspective.

Perceptual Strategies for Success

Perceptual Strategy:

                    Become an active perceiver

Explanation: 

                      We need to actively seek out as much information as possible. Placing yourself in the new culture, group, or co-culture can often expand your understanding.

Perceptual Strategy: 

                              Recognize each person’s unique frame of reference

Explanation:

                   We all perceive the world differently. Recognize that even though you may interact with two people from the same culture, they are individuals with their own set of experiences, values, and interests.

Perceptual Strategy: 

                        Become aware of the role perceptions play in communication.

Explanation:

                 Perception is an important aspect of the communication process. By understanding that our perceptions are not the only ones possible can limit ethnocentrism and improve intercultural communication.

Perceptual Strategy: 

                     Keep an open mind

Explanation:

                        “A mind is like a parachute—it works best when open” holds true. Being open to differences can improve intercultural communication.

Perceptual Strategy: 

                           Check your perceptions

Explanation:

                         By learning to observe, and acknowledging our own perceptions, we can avoid assumptions, expand our understanding, and improve our ability to communicate across cultures.

-Sarvesh SJB Rana

PhD in Political Science.