On a management development programme, we were talking about direct and indirect styles of communication and how the difference in styles can be the source of tension in relationships, both professionally and personally.
As I was tidying away at the end of the workshop, two of the delegates were chatting. Simon was having difficulty in understanding indirectness and Leanne asked me to explain.
I explained
“Simon, if I said to you:
It’s important that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the discussion sessions.
“What might that mean?” He replied:
“What it says – everyone should have the opportunity to join in and I agree with that.”
“No” says Leanne
“What Shay is really saying “ stop talking so much Simon and give the others a chance to join in.”
“I never heard that” says Simon
“And if you want me to hear that you better tell me straight.”
Hear what is not being said
Watch following video of Shay McConnon about The Language of Communication: