Consistency and Coordination

Basically, there are three ways we communicate: verbally, physically and via symbols such as letters or drawings. Given that each represents a broad spectrum ways to interact with others, one would be hard-pressed to identify a moment during any one of our days when we are not communicating. One may ask, "Well, how about when we are alone?" Even then, of course, we are communicating some type of message - even if we are our only audience. Also, the mere act of being alone may communicate to others that this is what we want. Thus, others may give us our own "space," thus signifying or message has been received and understood.


With those three broad categories at our disposal, one might surmise that communicating a message to another is actually not that difficult. This is true only if one is not all that concerned with having their message received, understood and acted upon in some way. (This can entail a simple response or an actual action on the part of the receiver.) But if one does, in fact, desire some type of exchange or dialog with another, then communicating can be a challenge with no guarantee of success. To even come close to a successful act of communication requires a number of elements, including consistency of message and coordinated delivery.


As this pertains to those three broad categories, it is important that the communicator utilize them with a strong sense of coordination. Following is a simple example: One says hello to a stranger as they wish to be friendly. They can support that verbal outreach with a physical smile, wave or both. This may seem like a no-brainer, but I have been part of numerous occasions when a person has said hello to another while not even looking at them. This is a mixed message that detracts from the communicator's primary intent. For us to succeed in any act of communication we attempt, it us key we ensure all parts of our arsenal are on the same page.