WHAT IT IS VS WHAT YOU CALL IT - DECEIT OR IGNORANCE by J Loren Norris

“So many issues, challenges, disagreements, arguments, divisions and debates are driven by differences in understanding. We call it a communication gap. What if that gap is intentionally being created by the misappropriation of meaning?” J Loren Norris

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WHAT IT IS VS WHAT YOU CALL IT - DECEIT OR IGNORANCE by J Loren Norris

• PERHAPS ITS CODE.
• PERHAPS IS MANIPULATION.
• PERHAPS ITS DECEIT.
• PERHAPS ITS IGNORANCE.

​So many issues, challenges, disagreements, arguments, divisions and debates are driven by differences in understanding. We call it a communication gap. What if that gap is intentionally being created by the misappropriation of meaning?

Its one thing to “misuse” a word. I have done it. To speak a word in a conversation with a specific meaning in mind only to find out later, that is not what it means. It’s embarrassing!
Its a whole different thing to alter the meaning of a word or phrase for the purpose of changing and transforming world views based on an intentional reshaping of the argument.

If I cannot agree that propaganda is real, then how will you ever convince me the use of it is harmful?

The redefining of THINGS, their labels, their purposes and their meanings is a tactic as old as humanity. The pervasiveness of this tactic has grown exponentially in recent decades due to the popular permeation of tools such as the media employs to communicate. From broadcasting to smart devices, the ability to speak “one to one” with people who are isolated from those who might argue the point has become much simpler. A whispered lie is hard to refute.

As a leadership and communications coach, it is baffling when I sit in on a team meeting or conversation and listen to people discuss, debate or argue a point. Often, both sides are closer to agreement than they realize. The real challenge is semantics or misplaced meanings.

“I heard you say... which tells me...” then emotions and attitudes come into play. The other persons often responds, “How did you get THAT out of what I said? I am offended that you think... by the way you responded.”

As an observer, I see and hear both sides of the conversation. I often understand the communication problem is less about personalities and disagreements and more often about the application level of linguistics (MISAPPROPRIATED MEANINGS).

PERSON ONE used the word... which means... and PERSON TWO took it to mean... and now they’re BOTH mad because they took a meaning from what PERSON ONE DID NOT SAY and that is the root of the argument.

Dr. John Maxwell says something to the effect, Academics take something simple and make it complicated to prove they’re smarter. Communicators take something complicated and explain it in simple ways so everyone is a bit smarter.

Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Or practice silence.


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