Communication Illusion and Brain-Based Solution | Nikolaos Dimitriadis | TEDxUniversityofStrathclyde

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the need to redefine communication beyond information exchange, advocating for a brain-based model that considers human behavior and emotions. They argue that traditional communication models, rooted in outdated views of human nature, often lead to the illusion of understanding without changing behavior. The talk suggests detangling communication from the expectation of shared meaning and focusing on influencing actions. It also touches on the role of technology in enhancing brain-based communication, encouraging a shift towards a more effective and holistic approach to connect with others.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The main purpose of communication is not just to share meaning or achieve common understanding, but to influence behavior.
• 🧠 We need to adopt a brain-based model of communication that considers the full range of human cognitive processes, not just rational thinking.
• 🌐 The current communication model is outdated and often leads to the illusion of successful communication when actual behavioral change does not occur.
• 👶 Understanding and behavior are not always aligned, as seen in examples of children, teenagers, and adults who understand but do not act according to expectations.
• 🛠️ To improve communication, we should focus on changing behavior rather than just transmitting information or ideas.
• 🔄 The concept of 'homoeconomicus', which assumes rational decision-making, is flawed and does not reflect the complexity of human behavior.
• 🌟 Effective communication should involve sharing emotions, considering habits and biases, and making actions that align with intended behaviors.
• 📱 Technology can play a significant role in enhancing brain-based communication by providing real-time feedback on emotions and behaviors.
• 🌱 A shift in mindset is required to move away from the old communication model, which involves re-education and training for all levels of society.
• 🔧 Practical steps for better communication include dethroning thinking, sharing emotions, considering habits and biases, using the environment, making it easy, abandoning common sense, and speaking with actions.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of communication according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that the main purpose of communication is not just about sharing meaning or achieving common understanding, but rather about influencing behavior.

Why does the speaker argue that we need a brain-based model for communication?

The speaker argues for a brain-based model because traditional models have failed to account for the complex inner workings of the brain, leading to misunderstandings and ineffective communication.

What does the speaker identify as the single most important problem with communication?

The speaker identifies the illusion that communication has taken place as the single most important problem, as stated by Bernard Shaw.

How does the speaker describe the 'tyranny of the current communication model'?

The speaker describes it as a regime that creates more problems than it solves by prioritizing thinking and rationality over other aspects of human nature.

What is 'homoeconomicus' and how does it relate to the old communication model?

'Homoeconomicus' refers to a model of human nature based on 18th-century classical economics, which assumes rational decision-making and optimization of choices. The old communication model is based on this view, focusing on changing thinking and understanding.

Why does the speaker say that thinking does not necessarily drive behavior?

The speaker argues that thinking is not always the precursor to behavior, as behavior can be influenced by emotions, habits, and impulses, which are not always rational.

What examples does the speaker provide to illustrate the gap between understanding and behavior?

The speaker provides examples such as children not sharing toys despite agreeing to do so, teenagers wandering off into dangerous areas despite understanding the risks, and employees not increasing their performance despite agreeing to do so.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to focusing solely on thinking in communication?

The speaker suggests considering the whole brain, including emotions, habits, and the physical environment, to create a more holistic and effective communication approach.

How does the speaker propose that technology can help in brain-based communication?

The speaker proposes that technology like smart glasses that decode facial expressions in real-time or brain electrodes transmitting emotions can help improve communication by providing immediate feedback on the effectiveness of our messages.

What are some of the key points the speaker suggests for adopting brain-based communication?

The speaker suggests detthroning thinking, sharing emotions, considering habits and biases, using the environment, making things easy, abandoning common sense, and speaking with actions.

What are the two possible outcomes the speaker hopes for from their speech?

The speaker hopes that either the audience fully understands the concepts discussed but takes no action, or that they don't fully grasp the concepts but start considering behavior as an integral part of the communication process and change their communication behaviors.