Perception & Communication

Perception & Communication  05/11/2023

Perception and communication are closely intertwined aspects of human interaction. Perception refers to the process of interpreting sensory information to understand the world around us, while communication involves conveying thoughts, ideas, and information to others. Effective communication relies on accurate perception, as misinterpretations can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. Perception can be influenced by factors like culture, past experiences, and personal biases, which can impact how we interpret and respond to communication. Understanding the relationship between perception and communication is key to successful interpersonal relationships and effective communication in various contexts.

Perception is the process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting information. This process affects our communication because we respond to stimuli differently, whether they are objects or persons, based on how we perceive them.

PERCEPTION PROCESS

Process perception 

Perception process explains how perceptionworks;

It shows how you first see an object / aperson and how you formulate your perception towards the object / person

3 steps / stages involved in the process:

1.Sensory Stimulation Occurs

2.Sensory Stimulation Is Organized

3.Sensory Stimulation is Interpreted-Evaluated

Perception of Interpersonal communication 

Perception and communication are closely intertwined processes that play a fundamental role in human interaction and understanding of the world. Here’s a basic outline of their connection:

Perception: Perception is the process by which individuals interpret and make sense of the sensory information they receive from their environment. It involves the brain’s processing of sensory inputs, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, to form a coherent understanding of the world around us.

Communication: Communication is the exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings between individuals. It can take various forms, including verbal (spoken or written language), non-verbal (body language, facial expressions), and visual (art, images). Effective communication is essential for sharing knowledge and maintaining social relationships.

Now, here’s how perception and communication are interconnected:

Interpretation: Perception influences how individuals interpret and understand the messages they receive through communication. For example, the way a person perceives the tone of someone’s voice or the facial expressions during a conversation can greatly affect how they interpret the message.

Feedback Loop: Communication can influence and shape an individual’s perception. If someone communicates a particular perspective or narrative, it can impact how others perceive a situation, event, or idea.

Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, are a significant part of communication. They are directly related to how individuals perceive the emotional and social aspects of a message.

Cultural Differences: Perception and communication can vary greatly between cultures. What is considered polite or appropriate in one culture may be perceived differently in another, affecting the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication.

Misunderstandings: Differences in perception can lead to misunderstandings in communication. People may interpret the same message differently, which can result in conflicts or miscommunication.

In essence, perception and communication are tightly connected, with perception shaping how we understand and respond to the information conveyed through communication. Effective communication often requires an awareness of how perception influences interpretation and the ability to adapt to different perspectives and styles of perception and communication.

Written by: Chethana Madanayaka