Question

Explain the concept "message meanings are in people." How do you think that keeping this concept in mind would affect your verbal communications with others in the workplace? Would it make a difference in communication with others at a social event?

Answer 1

To discover the meaning a person is trying to communicate, it is necessary to consider the person and the context as well as the words. Words have different meanings to different people.

Meanings are in people

 Everyone has a unique worldview and style of communicating

 When we interpret a message, the message is filtered through our beliefs, values, morals, and the way that we see the world

. Language is ambiguous, so words can have multiple meanings and it is up to the message receiver to choose a meaning (interpretation) for the message.

 We have a model that we use to understand how people differ in interpreting messages.This model is known as the Ogden and Richards Triangle of Meaning. This model demonstrates how interpreting a message works on an individual level. Ogden and Richards Triangleof Meaning Thought (reference)Symbol (word) Object (referent)Thesymbol is the word that you are using, such as “dog.”Dog - SymbolThe object would be that we are referring to an actual animal known as a dog.Symbol (word) Object. The thought is the way you feel about the object or the meaning you associate with it. For example, I think of a dog as “man’s best friend.” But my grandmother, who was attacked by 3 pit bulls, thinks of all dogs as dangerous. “Man’s best Thought friend” cuddly puppyDog - Symbol Object

We communicate with much more than words: when we interact with someone, our body has a language of its own. The way we sit, the gestures we make, the way we talk, how much eye contact we make – all of these are non-verbal ways of communicating that impact the messages our words are sending. Managers who are adept at dealing with negative emotions in the workplace are mindful of how and what they communicate verbally and non-verbally. They are also receptive to the verbal and non-verbal messages of others. Perceptive managers can go beyond the words to discover the fuller meaning of a statement by observing non-verbal communication.

Another important aspect to have effective workplace communication is taking into consideration the different backgrounds of employees. "While diversity enriches the environment, it can also cause communication barriers