In the world today we have many sources of information. However, they have different approaches to many issues that happen in the environment. This determines the clarity and credibility of their reports. Besides, human beings understand many issues in distinct ways. Media misinterpretation is a common phenomenon, and it affects almost every individual. I have ever been a victim of such cases, but I developed a mechanism of ensuring that my words are not received in the wrong way the next time I uttered. In one of the annual business meetings at our workplace, I mentioned that “holding performance reviews is a waste of time.” This statement was diversely misinterpreted until i was suspended from my job. However, after some time, the management held another meeting to discuss my fate and also allow me to state what I meant. I was then given a chance to explain because even some of the managers had conflicted with the director. In the actual sense, I meant that even if the company took time to analyze the performance of every individual, the operation would be unfruitful because some of the needs and recommendations were not worked upon. Besides, one of the managers also indicated that the statement might have implied that the organization took a lot of time to retaliate on issues that are not important for its prosperity. Also, another member in the committee stated that the review had little structure and this is the reason it could be associated with a waste of time. All these statements surfaced, and I realized that there could be a lot of misinterpretations in words that pass through the media.

In dealing with the media, an individual needs to be careful especially on the choice of words in a specific context. According to the readings, one of the ways of avoiding misinterpretation is by taking responsibility. In any conversation, both participants should ensure that the other person grasps what the other individual says or asks. This implies that they should not confront each other to gain trust.

Another essential way of avoiding misinterpretation is ensuring clarity. While making a statement, an individual should avoid clouding instructions with irrelevant details such as past issues or projects. They are required to state what they need or expect. This will ensure that all the information is understood properly.

People fail to understand others because they don’t pay attention to some of the essential non-verbal cues. Good speakers don’t communicate using words alone. Instead, they include facial expressions and body language. Thus, people should be highly considerate on the gestures to ensure that the information is grabbed effectively. For instance, before one addresses a fellow staff member, he or she should think about the tone of the voice while keeping eye contact.

People should discuss expectations in any project. Individuals need to be conversant of results of some actions or plans. This will allow them to relate the forecast with what is likely to happen. Many people have been misinterpreted because expectations were not highlighted and discussed.

Upon discussing this week’s reading, these are some of the research questions that should be investigated further; should the media be relied upon in making decisions before the actual survey is conducted? Also, which is the best way of handling misinterpretation of information at the workplace?

 
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