Good Communication 101: Mirroring, Jargon, Hifalutin Words | Alan Alda | Big Think

Summary

The speaker explores the dual nature of jargon, highlighting its efficiency in professional communication by condensing complex ideas into single words. However, they caution against its overuse, especially when it creates a barrier to understanding or is used to assert superiority. The speaker advocates for clarity and the importance of effective communication, which is not just about choosing the right words but also about ensuring they are understood and internalized by the listener. They share a poignant medical example where a student's empathetic communication helped a patient comprehend her terminal diagnosis, underscoring the power of connection and understanding in communication.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Jargon serves a purpose in specialized fields by condensing complex ideas into single words, which can be efficient for professionals who share the same understanding.
• 🚫 The downside of jargon is that it can create barriers in communication, making it difficult for those outside a specific expertise to understand.
• 🎬 Even in less expected fields like show business, jargon is prevalent, with terms like 'gobo', 'Century', 'martini shot', and 'half-apple' being used on movie sets.
• 🧐 Jargon can be misused to assert intellectual superiority, suggesting that those who understand it are smarter than those who don't.
• 💡 The speaker encourages translating jargon into plain language to enhance understanding and potentially gain a deeper comprehension of the concepts involved.
• 🌐 Effective communication is not just about choosing the right words but also about ensuring the message is internalized and understood by the listener.
• 👥 A powerful example from the medical field illustrates how personalizing communication and mirroring the patient's emotional state can lead to a profound connection and better understanding.
• 😢 The emotional impact of communication is significant; the medical student's ability to connect with the patient led to a shared emotional experience that was transformative for both.
• 🔄 The concept of mirroring is highlighted as a technique that can synchronize the communicator with the listener, fostering a deeper level of understanding.
• 💡 The script emphasizes that good communication is not just about delivering a message but about the listener's ability to receive, understand, and own that message.

Q & A

What is the primary reason jargon is used in professional settings?

Jargon is used because it can represent complex concepts in a single word, making communication more efficient among professionals who share the same understanding.

What is the downside of using jargon according to the speaker?

The downside is that jargon can create a barrier in communication with those who are not familiar with the specialized terms, leading to misunderstandings or exclusion.

Why does the speaker mention the show business industry?

The speaker mentions show business to illustrate that even industries not typically associated with technical jargon have their own specialized terms, which can be confusing to outsiders.

What are the specific examples of film industry jargon provided in the script?

The examples include 'gobo' for a light-blocking device, 'Century' for a type of stand, 'martini shot' for the last shot of the day, and 'half-apple' for a small box used to adjust the height of actors.

How can jargon be misused to make someone appear smarter than others?

Jargon can be misused to create a sense of superiority by implying that those who do not understand the jargon are less intelligent, which is an unnecessary and often unconscious behavior.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to using jargon?

The speaker suggests using plain language and simplifying complex concepts to enhance understanding and make communication more effective.

Why is it important to explain jargon in simple terms?

Explaining jargon in simple terms can lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts, humanize the language, and make it more accessible and helpful.

What role does effective communication play in the medical student example?

Effective communication allows the medical student to connect with a patient, helping her understand her condition and providing emotional support, which is crucial in delivering difficult news.

How does the medical student's approach differ from the supervising M.D.'s?

The medical student uses simpler language, makes eye contact, and opens himself up emotionally to the patient, which contrasts with the M.D.'s more impersonal and technical communication style.

What is the significance of the mirroring exercise mentioned by the medical student?

The mirroring exercise is significant because it helped the medical student to synchronize with the patient, allowing for a deeper emotional connection and understanding, which was key in delivering the difficult news.

What lesson does the speaker draw from the medical student's experience?

The speaker draws the lesson that personal connection and empathy in communication can profoundly impact both the communicator and the recipient, and that such experiences can lead to personal growth and better understanding.