What is Communicating to Inform?

Communication, in its most basic form, focuses on developing understanding and sharing meaningful information among communicators. 

The purpose in sharing the meaningful information may be so that you receive, understand, and can use or wield that information. 

For example, presentations that are by and large informative lay emphasis on helping the audience to have a clear understanding of a broader topic, circumstances, format or techniques and issues.

What is Explanation (Exposition)?

When information is shared through an informal channel, one's personal thoughts and perspectives are often shared. 

Analyzing the audience's perception helps to devise techniques to acquire their attention and furnish information about certain topics. 

If one analyses their speech from the perspective of audiences, then they will be able to have an idea of how the general public thinks and perceives particular things. 

The perception of a stimulus depends on a number of factors that are unique to a person. 

For instance, one may present a speech that is very informative and is directed towards influencing the public perception. 

One might want to enable the audience to gain certain skill sets. 

If one wants to communicate their thoughts and ideas, it is important that each listener is allowed the freedom to specifically develop their conclusion that will, in turn, lead to a holistic perception of the common audience. 

The purpose of sharing information is to cater to the needs of the audience and not to one's personal needs. 

Exposition is a form of external or public expression that is often used to simplify a rather complicated topic to cater to or aid the understanding of the general audience. 

When exposition is done in written format, it is called expository prose. 

The primary objective is to get the messages and content across to the general audience so that the overall topic and content of the information is understood. 

This is primarily done to help people understand and access the information.

What is Understanding (Interpretation)?

Interpretation is the process of analyzing the information to facilitate the communication of a certain message, principle or objective. 

Personal interpretations, however, are not free from biases. 

Biases result from poorly organized thoughts, perceptions or judgments. 

Biased beliefs are not based on proof or evidence, but are derived from ones personal thoughts and value system. 

Long-held beliefs influence judgments and is often called the habits of mind. 

Bias filters the rationality from ones thoughts, values, and ideas. 

As a result of biased thoughts, one is inclined to accept positive beliefs that compliment their thoughts and to discard any negative value or evidence that may potentially remain opposed to their ideas or beliefs. 

Further, bias compels an individual to block any form of disagreement or contradictory thoughts, ideas, and beliefs or any form of opposing evidence - regardless of whether it may prove to be true. 

While mental bias will affect the interpretation process, one should attempt to be clear and precise when communicating a message or information, so that it remains free from any bias.

How Ones Point of View can Bias the Communication Process

If one only receives or communicates information that is consistent with their point of view, then it can be said that they have instilled bias in their modes of communication. 

It is important to acknowledge the difference between ones belief, perspectives, and their prejudice towards it. 

One's point of view is formed based on the ideas or concept that forms a part of their experience or perceptions. 

An individual's perception is formed and remains under the influence of various social factors like their race, caste, ethnicity, gender, physical features and their social position. 

Bias leads to deliberately acquiring and processing content that remains in support or in agreement with one's personal value system or beliefs. 

Objectivity is the act of remaining mindful, or keeping thoughts and expressions devoid of pre-held notions, irrational prejudices, biased thoughts or values.

To avoid bias in communications, it is important to maintain a neutral stand point and be open to alternate modes to explain, present, develop a comparison as well as to add a little bit of diverse elements in the speech that they present. 

Related Topics

• Communications Intended to Inform Others
• Communications Intended to Persuade Others
• What is a Sales Message?
• Arguments as Persuasive Communications