LOST IN TRANSLATION: Why Clear Communication Isn’t Always So Clear

Ever been told, “You can’t miss it!”… and yet, you did?

I had one of those moments recently while hiking. We were assured the trail to the next village was “obvious” and to “just go straight”. Except…it wasn’t obvious at all. After scrambling up, down, and around, I climbed higher, got a better perspective, and finally spotted the path.

In business—and life—clear communication often feels like finding that elusive path. What seems crystal clear to one person can be utterly confusing to another. Why?

Two Key Insights for Effective Communication:

1?? Everyone Sees Through Their Own Filters We all have a unique ‘model of the world’, shaped by our values, beliefs, and experiences. Imagine everyone wearing tinted glasses—the world looks slightly different depending on the hue. What’s obvious to you might not even register for someone else. Instead of repeating yourself louder or slower (which often leads to frustration on both sides), pause, reframe, and ensure your message aligns with their perspective.

2?? Say What You Do Want, Not What You Don’t The unconscious mind struggles with negatives. When you say, “Don’t forget your keys,” the mind hears “Forget your keys.” Instead, phrase it positively: “Remember your keys.”

In a world of diverse cultures, perspectives, and interpretations, clarity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

If your team, organization, or event could benefit from mastering communication in an increasingly complex world, let’s connect.

?? Book me as a keynote speaker or facilitator to help your team find the ‘path’ to effective communication.

Let’s turn “You can’t miss it” into “You’ll definitely find it.”