"El mayor problema en la comunicación es la ilusión de que ha tenido lugar."

Often, we think we’ve communicated something clearly, but the person we’re talking to has no idea what we meant. It’s like we’re on different wavelengths, and that’s where things get tricky. We assume the message has been received and understood, but in reality, it’s floating around in some weird misunderstood limbo. This misunderstanding can cause all sorts of issues, from minor hiccups to major conflicts.

Let’s rewind a bit and figure out where this idea comes from. This nugget of wisdom is usually attributed to George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright. Shaw had a knack for cutting through the fluff and getting to the heart of human behavior. Back in his day, and even now, people had this bad habit of thinking they’re clear when they’re really not. Imagine the early 1900s—a time when communication wasn't instant like today. Letters took days, even weeks, and face-to-face conversations were paramount. Miscommunication could lead to all kinds of complications, from social mishaps to business blunders.

Now, picture this: You’re at work and your boss sends you a quick email. "Finish the report." That’s it. What report? The one you started last week, or the one from the team meeting yesterday? You spend hours on what you think is the right one, only to find out later you were off-track. So frustrating, right? That’s a prime example of assuming communication has happened without ensuring it really has.

How can we do better? Start by being more explicit. Don’t just say, “Finish the report.” Instead, “Can you complete the financial report from last Thursday’s meeting by EOD today?” It’s all about clarity. Also, check in with the person you’re communicating with. A simple, “Does that make sense?” or “Any questions on that?” goes a long way. And, it’s a two-way street. If you’re on the receiving end, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Think about relationships. Ever had a fight with a friend or partner over something silly? Chances are, it was a miscommunication issue. Maybe you said, “I’ll be home late,” and they heard, “I don’t want to spend time with you.” Totally different! In these situations, it’s helpful to be clear—“I have to work late on the Johnson project, but let’s do dinner when I get back.” And, check in: “Is that okay with you?”

Here’s a little story. Once, I was planning a surprise party for a friend. I told everyone, “Meet at the park at 3.” Simple, right? Nope. Some people thought I meant their local park, while others assumed it was the big park downtown. By 3:30, half the group was in one place, the other half somewhere else. The birthday girl was MIA. Total chaos. If I had just said, “Everyone, meet at Central Park, near the fountain, at 3 PM on Sunday,” it would have saved a lot of confusion.

So, next time you're trying to get your point across, think about how clear you’re being. Are there any gaps that need filling? Are you assuming too much? Double-check, ask questions, and be specific. It might feel like overkill at first, but trust me—it’s worth it to avoid the headache of miscommunication. Imagine explaining something to a friend over coffee. Be that clear, be that thorough. You’ll thank yourself later.