How Easy Are You to "Read"? What Judgeability Is and Why It Matters

A "judgeable" person is someone who is easy to perceive accurately and is less likely to be misunderstood. Someone who is judgeable is open, transparent, and easy to read, as opposed to someone who is closed, hard to read, and enigmatic.

Make Yourself Understood, CommunicationJennifer SpoelmaJuly 10, 2018MisunderstandingComment

Communication Breakdown: How Misunderstandings Happen and What to Do About It

While misunderstanding might seem like one of those things that doesn’t require a definition I believe there’s benefit to it. For example, it reminds us that misunderstandings take place on a two way street. So often when we feel misunderstood it creates feelings of isolation. We tend to retreat because we feel unknown or unseen.

Make Yourself Understood, CommunicationJennifer SpoelmaJune 17, 2018MisunderstandingComment

Understanding Violent Agreement and How to Have Civil Conversations In Tense Times

We’re all tired of the shouting, polarization and unwillingness to listen that dominates our current politics and news. But what’s worse is how these things are seeping into our culture’s own communication practices.

Communication, Make Yourself UnderstoodJennifer SpoelmaJune 11, 2018Misunderstanding, Civil ConversationComment

How to make a good first impression and why it's worth all the effort

First impressions - a concept we all know so well. Just thinking about making a good first impression probably brings on feelings of stress and anxiety. The situations that create first-impression scenarios tend to be high-stake already. It's no wonder we feel pressure at the thought of needing to appeal to others when we're already nervous.

Make Yourself UnderstoodJennifer SpoelmaJune 4, 2018Misunderstanding, Impression ManagementComment

Why You Think People Are Paying More Attention To You Than They Really Are

The spotlight effect is when we overestimate the amount of attention people give to our outward appearance or behavior. It creates a climate that misunderstandings can thrive in. There are very real consequences in our day-to-day life, and professional opportunities alike, if we don't keep the spotlight effect in check.

Make Yourself Understood, CommunicationJennifer SpoelmaMay 29, 2018Spotlight Effect, MisunderstandingComment

What Is the Transparency Illusion and How Does It Lead to Misunderstanding?

The transparency illusion is the belief that what we think, feel, desire, and intend is obvious to others. We feel like we're expressing more than we truly are, so we don't make as much effort to communicate as clearly as we should. Transparency illusion often takes place when we feel uncomfortable, insecure or vulnerable.