There are three language channels we as human beings communicate with our fellowman on, both in the sending and receiving of messages. The three channels are: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.
Each of us has a dominant channel that we use most often when communicating with others, both in the sending and the receiving. We communicate through words (7%), tone of voice (38%), and body language (55%).
Allow me to explain each language channel so you can decide which of the three is most likely your dominant language channel. By learning this information, you will become a better communicator both as a speaker and as a listener in every part of your life.
THE VISUAL PERSON:
The dominant visual person (many people today are extremely visual because they grew up on television) see pictures when reading, responds to the beauty in art and nature, usually has good insight, and is interested in how things look. The dominant visual person processes most of life primarily through what they see.
Some examples of “visual language” – “How do you picture the event coming together?” “Look at it this way.” “Can you imagine what that would look like?” “Do you see what I mean?”
THE AUDITORY PERSON:
The auditory person is left brain dominant and can sometimes have a hard time getting in touch with his or her feelings or expressing emotion. What they say and hear is far more important to them than what they see or feel.
Some examples of “auditory language” – “That sounds like a good idea to me.” “I’d like to speak to my wife about it before I give you an answer.” “Do you hear what I’m saying?”
THE KINESTHETIC PERSON:
The kinesthetic person feels deeply. They are usually in touch with their emotions and communicates through all five of their senses. What they see or hear is secondary to how it makes them feel.
Some examples of “kinesthetic language” – “I was touched by his sincerity.” “That was an inspirational movie.” “I became impatient with her skepticism.” “Are you with me?” “You hurt my feelings.”
THE MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS
The most effective communicators (whether speaking one-on-one or addressing a large gathering of people) are proficient at getting on the dominant channel of their listeners. People will “tune us out” if we can’t get on their dominant communication channel.
Cognitive dissonance (everyone in the room hearing the same conversation but interpreting it differently) can occur within a group of people (family, business team, etc.) when there is a breakdown in communication due to language dominance barriers, or personal preferences associated with auditory, visual, and kinesthetic dominances, not because absolute truth or some law has been broken. We’re often critical of others simply because they don’t process life on the same channel as we do. Many of our problems in life are not based on what’s right or what’s wrong, but personal preferences.
COMMITTEE MEETING EXAMPLE
Auditory chairperson: “Tell me what you heard is going on in the organization.”
Visual committee member: “I don’t see things moving in the right direction, but I am willing to take another look at it.” Turning to the kinesthetic committee member – “Give us your viewpoint.”
Kinesthetic committee member: “I feel really good about the direction the organization is going, but I feel very sad that you are having such a hard time grasping the reality of things.”
JESUS WAS THE EPITOME OF ALL THREE
Auditory: He was very articulate.
Visual: He had great insight and drew vivid picture stories with parables.
Kinesthetic: He felt deeply and was able to relate to all types of people on a deeply emotional level.
A proper understanding of language dominances can improve every relationship in your life. It’s worth the effort to learn your own dominant language channel as well as the dominant language channels of the people you care most about and communicate with most frequently. --Steve
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