Lecture Notes: Effective Communication and Listening Filters

Speaker: Remy Blumenfeld

• Professional coach for creative leaders and entrepreneurs.

Key Concepts:

Communication Misunderstandings

• Many people feel misunderstood despite clear communication.
• Misunderstanding occurs due to listeners interpreting through personal "filters."

Listening Filters

• Filters are akin to wearing different colored sunglasses.
• Example:
  • Mother wears rose-tinted glasses.
  • Father wears bronze Ray Bans.
  • Boss wears mirrored shades.
• Every listener sees your message ("white shirt") differently.

Impact of Filters

• Example request: "Would you drop this report?"
  • Could be interpreted as:
    • "You're bossy."
    • "You're lazy."
    • "You're insecure."
• The perceived message depends on the listener's filter.

Strategies for Clearer Communication

Check Understanding

• After speaking, ask the listener what they heard.
• Follow up with questions like:
  • "What did you make that mean?"
  • "How did you interpret what I said?"

Benefits of Checking Understanding

• Identifies how your message was perceived.
• Helps clarify if perceived as bossy, lazy, or power-hungry.
• Provides a clearer basis for future communication.

Notable Quote

• George Bernard Shaw: "The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place."

Conclusion

• Awareness of listening filters improves communication.
• Better prepared to navigate others’ needs and perceptions.

• Thank you for listening!
• Speaker: Remy Blumenthal