What does your sign say?

Intro-humor: A priest & pastor are standing by the side of the road with a sign that reads, "The End is Near! Turn around before it's too late!" They hold up the sign to each passing car. "Leave us alone you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by. From around the curve they heard screeching tires & a big splash. "Do you think," said one clergy to the other, "we should put up a sign that says 'Bridge Out' instead?"

Clearly communicating is tough! We all have messages that we try to get across, but all too often what we try to say isn't what other people actually hear.  And as easy as it is to blame the listener for not listening (which may occasionally be true), chances are what you said, or the sign you were holding up, did not convey with clarity or accuracy what you wanted others to understand.

Think in terms of a foreign language.  We all have experiences with people who speak a foreign language (and often when we are the ones speaking the foreign language).  No matter how slow or loud you talk, if the other person does not speak the same language (or speak it very well), you will have a very hard time communicating.  Hand gestures and theatrics can only go so far! (although such things can be fun and entertaining)  

Much the same principle applies to communicating with people in your native tongue!  Everyone has different backgrounds, upbringing, education styles/levels, cultural complexities, and numerous other factors that will change how they both speak to, and understand what is said by, others.  So more than likely what needs to change is your 'sign', and not your audiences ability to understand your message.  Go out of your way to make your message clear, and present it in a way that others can both understand it and benefit from it.  And maybe then, they won't end up in the river!