When words fail: A tale of miscommunication

 After a long day at work, I boarded a coaster bus, looking forward to some rest. A man stepped on, initially posing as a preacher, but soon his true intentions surfaced—he was there to sell drugs. His preaching seemed more like a marketing strategy, weaving in the current economic difficulties, rising food prices, specifically highlighted garri. In the course of his preaching, he mentioned, "I like the current hard times in the country."

The man sitting behind me was visibly shocked. "You like the hard times?" he asked incredulously. The marketer continued, explaining how God had blessed him during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he wouldn’t mind seeing a similar situation again.

"What about those who suffered during the pandemic?" the man behind me challenged. "Are you praying for another crisis just because it benefitted you?" The marketer brushed him off, claiming that those who suffered didn’t have enough faith in God.

As the marketer unveiled his drugs for sale, the man behind me scoffed. "After preaching rubbish, now he wants to sell us his ogwu oke (rat poison )" His words struck a nerve, and the marketer snapped back, asserting that his message was the truth and that the man should stay quiet if he couldn't handle it.

The bus was split in two: those in the front supported the marketer, while those in the back sided with the man. As a silent observer, I felt like a judge watching the debate unfold. One passenger stood up to defend the marketer, claiming that during the pandemic, many people had prospered, building houses, buying cars, and making investments because of their faith.

The argument grew louder, with those in the back accusing the marketer of being unclear and misleading. Instead of apologizing, the marketer doubled down, implying that anyone who misunderstood his words should go back to school. This further enraged the passengers in the back, and the argument continued.

This experience taught me a crucial lesson about communication. The marketer assumed his audience would understand his point, but his words were vague and easily misinterpreted. I often find myself making similar mistakes—speaking or writing in ways that are too vague, assuming my audience will fill in the gaps. But not everyone has the patience or insight to do so.

When we communicate, whether verbally or in writing, it’s essential to be clear. Otherwise, our listeners or readers will create their own interpretations, often leading to misunderstandings. The world isn't always patient, so it’s up to us to ensure our words are understood.

Turn the table: How often have you been patient enough to listen and absorb not only someone&s words but also their unspoken messages?

If we don't embrace transparency in our communication, we risk leaving too much interpretation. Make your words clear and communicate effectively - because the world won't wait to fill in the blanks

Agredecido🥰