How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it) - Katherine Hampsten

Explore why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how you can minimize frustration while expressing yourself better.
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Have you ever talked with a friend about a problem, only to realize that he just doesn’t seem to grasp why the issue is so important to you? Have you ever presented an idea to a group, and it’s met with utter confusion? What’s going on here? Katherine Hampsten describes why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how we can minimize frustration while expressing ourselves better.
Lesson by Katherine Hampsten, animation by Andrew Foerster.
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[@galinka2102]

In a world bustling with voices and noise, the art of truly listening has become rare. Many of us listen but fail to genuinely hear, leading to widespread miscommunication. This barrier significantly hinders our collective ability to live in harmony. To bridge the gaps between us and foster understanding, it is essential to learn not just to listen, but to hear- to truly comprehend and appreciate others' perspectives. This lesson is vital for fostering a more connected and empathetic world. Thank you for the video.

[@EugeneKhutoryansky]

Let's see if anyone misunderstands the meaning of this video. After all, they weren't able to provide feedback as the video was being developed.

[@videogyar2]

+Physics Videos by Eugene Khutoryansky U wat m8? U wanna fight me? I'll reck u!

[@Maxander2001]

+Physics Videos by Eugene Khutoryansky There will always be people misunderstanding, even if they could have provided a lot of feedback. Anyone includes the 1-2% of the human population who are blessed with really interesting illnesses, even. Enough of a tangential approach will do the trick. ;)

[@nimaxx]

+Physics Videos by Eugene Khutoryansky thank u, i forget my cow today.

[@MonkeyspankO]

+Physics Videos by Eugene Khutoryansky I like these vids, but the graphics are distracting and unnecessary. Plus, i think they could put out more often, if they put less time into the animation. just saying...

[@MegaBabyRawr]

I didn't know you watched these :)

[@rollingthrees]

How to avoid misscommunication 1. passive hearing and active listening are not the same 2. listen with your eyes, ears, and guts 3.take time to understand as you try to be understood 4. be aware of your own perceptional filters

[@rubyjames8533]

thank you

[@teddykim7370]

OOP

[@philipjani2495]

Perceptional filters? Explain

[@annuchauhan5512]

Good

[@alexzoolander]

thank you brother

[@jerwilliamsmith]

Whoever did the ADR and animations on this video is the real MVP. These little characters are hilarious.

[@AECommonThread2137]

I think about this every day. I like to believe I have great understanding and communication skills to make sure what is being said is understood and spoken as clear as possible. I also do not let my biases get in the way of objectivity.

[@noravilleneuve3005]

I think it's also important to define our terms while we are talking about a certain subject to avoid miscommunication. If you talk and debate with a friend about freedom, you have a certain opinion about it and your friend have a different one, but you never seem to get along or to understand what the other means, the good questions to ask may be: what does freedom means to you? Do we have the same definition of it? Most of the time, our personal definitions may differ a bit, but it's enough to completely misunderstand the other. Defining words in the beginning of a conversation can save lots of time debating for nothing!

[@physioweng]

Most of the video portrays how we miscommunicate than how we stop doing so. I don't think this will solve the usual miscommunications that is inevitable in our daily lives, sometimes even listening with the "gut" may lead to "overthinking/misinterpretation". But I thumbed up for the adorable animation (the characters inside are really lovely)!

[@DamonMoore-i9y]

I love how concise and clear your instructions are.

[@SafadosAteus]

The animations on this video, plus the FX, are so great! I loved it!

[@RobertoWilson-p2s]

You explain things in such a clear and straightforward manner.

[@AimonsL_oignon]

Every one in the world needs to learn this lesson. Miscommunication is the thing that hinders our ability to coexist. Back here in my country India many people need to learn this to understand each others' perspectives.If every body does so I think that religious hatred can be minimized.

[@rajattiwari6076]

absolutely... trying to be in the other persons shoes and the percieving the situation is the best way to avoid miscommunication.

[@Chris-sch]

Navnoor Singh I agree if everyone cared to listen we would live such a better life

[@NAJMYNex]

The sound effects and art style in this video is so funny xD

[@zacharygold2879]

Lol

[@mja91352]

Best way to avoid miscommunication is to speak with precision and clarity to people capable of comprehension.

[@TheOswald42]

that is why, silence is golden... avoid unnecessary talking...

[@manikshamik]

Well said

[@monicarecabarren950]

I have seen this video many times and still have issues communicating with people.

[@andrjuska9556]

If silence is _gold,_ then knowing what to say and when to say it to a certain person is _platinum._

[@loganturner79]

Introvert is golden

[@benurm2390]

...and play while someone is talking to you, right?

[@KedraIrke]

There's a game my husband and I like to play between us. It's called "twist my words in the worst possible way". Honestly, it's amazing how easy it is to turn one thing (even if it's a direct statement) into something completely opposite. P. S. We never take the twisted meanings seriously. This is not a way to turn arguments and it's a dirty trick that shouldn't be used by anyone. Ask questions before assuming is a golden rule.

[@zarinaro]

I love this! So concise, yet informative. And the animations do a phenomenal job of exemplifying what the voice over is saying in a simple, complementary way! I love these videos. Thank you for the informative content!

[@comradestannis]

Agreed.

[@markc5960]

The message communicated by this video is extremely simplistic and leaves out something very important in this day and age: (and even when it was posted 7 years ago) Online media literacy. Is it MAYBE possible that SOME of this post Covid polarization has something to do with the fact that it's all done online? So it's not just "beyond words" but beyond the platform, and you know almost nobody is going to ever meet in person to straighten anything out. Of course, the tendency to pay attention to ones own side and not seriously consider the perspective of the other to any significant extent doesn't help, neither do psychological/psychiatric issues either known or unknown/ignored/not understood. All these people convinced they know who the enemy is and some joe schmoe rando online is another one of them would be comical if it wasn't so sad and causing a ton of chaos in the world. This even happens to people who know each other in person, but the fact the problematic communications happen online is completely ignored and it's all about the person, and they never learn a single thing about the dynamics of the communication. Personal blame rather than exploring what went wrong in the process, always.

[@codydeegan5915]

Communication plays a critical role in business. That is why as much as in a business setting mitigating causes of miscommunication is a must because it could have a fatal blow especially if it is a decision to be executed for the company.

[@loriefranceschi2590]

This happens a lot in discussions of TED videos.

[@HiAdrian]

*+Lorie Franceschi* Oh yeah!? So you think you're better than everyone else, huh? Racist!

[@loriefranceschi2590]

+Adrian Ya! lower than a earthworm is what you are! hahahahahaha good one

[@sciencepower608]

+Lorie Franceschi you fat bitch get outta here. (Joking)

[@JellybellyWaffles]

You're all a bunch of soggy oreos that were left in the milk for too long! (not joking)

[@YoHoOMirster]

+Lorie Franceschi " Insults are bad, you stupid fly!"- Dumbguy Badspeler Noetaininsultier

[@ajgrant9975]

One of the problems I have is people will just plain out refuse to look at your point of view. It's really annoying and adds to the rage.

[@AJ213Probably]

Sorta like the Republicans and religious people do!

[@c0ldNcl34r]

What we have here, is a failure to communicate

[@KhaledAlfaris]

+CTalk I love that movie!

[@hkanything]

+Khaled Alfaris The weather is great today!

[@vish2441139gan]

That's from a movie? I had only heard it in a GnR song.

[@Firex64]

+CTalk Some men you just can't reach ...

[@sorrygod5649]

Honestly, sometimes i think this channel understands me more than i understand myself.

[@davidbuschhorn6539]

LOL! The joke at the end is a classic. "I see" said the blind man, who picked up his hammer and saw.

[@suparnosarwoar437]

Where?

[@doctorcommonsense2364]

We can see this world around us and other people just through own mind. "Everyone see only self". But when we try to overcome our aloofness we can reduce misunderstandings!

[@prof.einsteindarcy3951]

I love the narrator! Everytime I click on a TedEd video, I also hope to hear his voice. And when I do, I can't help but smile:)

[@Ondrix]

There is one big catch with this...... and it's the fact that being understood requires _all_ parties involved. Even if you follow all of these rules it doesn't matter if the person you're speaking to isn't alao following them.

[@rebecca_stone]

So true. I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@surkewrasoul4711]

Very informative, actually misunderstanding can cause lot's of problem and not just problems but things that could have been a solution to things that we had always dreamt of or wished for.. so I have found it to be useful to say to people things like, I respectfully disagree or I respectfully decline this offer... that way they dont feel humilliated but at the same time you dont mess up the relationship,, bussiness partner or even a stranger.. I suppose not everybody would see that anyways , and that is understandable ..if that became the case.. it's best to just walk away from it or them

[@G_G251]

A more fitting title for the video would have been "Why does miscommunication occur?" Up until 3:18 there's nothing about "How to avoid miscommunication". That leaves only one minute of the video that is about the actual subject, and it's too condensed to actually say anything meaningful and useful.

[@morningmadera]

+Goodguy001 you have just described KZbin :))

[@danielav9905]

+Goodguy001 Well, in order to prevent miscommunication, you first have to realize why does it even occur in the first place, right?

[@Maxander2001]

+RoastedUnicorn Agree!

[@Red-sk5op]

+RoastedUnicorn what if you where to buy a game with 24 hours content, but it had a tutorial 22 hours long.

[@LukaszekTheBest]

+Goodguy001 Why should we avoid miscomunication without understanding what miscomunication is? I understand 3/4 of the video is not about avoiding it but it is as easy as it was said. Just focus what other person says and you will (look like you) understand other people. That would be another reason why they added such big intro for that topic.

[@Yulizie]

The animated illustrations are amazing 😍

[@aadityagupta5776]

This is such a good explanation man the example of stone and clay was wonderful helping people understand it

[@mureashk]

Whoever was behind the graphics and animation, kudos!!!

[@doubletoned5772]

There couldn't be a better channel than this.

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Sweet! With this I’ll be involved in less miscommunications and people that I communicate with better understand me the first time around.

[@benjaminwilde152]

I think that conversations via text are even more prone to misunderstanding, thus mostly making the KZbin comment-section a war zone. Too bad.

[@benjaminwilde152]

Lady Bumta True. I think for text conversations one must master the ability to say the most in the fewest words. This is a huge downside of texts. I never really find myself able to express everything I have to say, especially when the conversation goes into the political, moral or philosophical side.

[@benjaminwilde152]

Lady Bumta Well, really, arguing on youtube comments is useless in general.

[@carlvonherrlichingen-carto6985]

+Benjamin Wilde To pacify this war zone emoticons are invented some time ago. Specifically for lazy folks or people with little writing skills. So some misunderstandings can be attenuated at least.

[@Ktvanada]

Yeah

[@snikitty12345]

I feel as if I am the only one who has actually gained useful knowledge from this video, for I have absolutely no skills in understanding others or sharing my thoughts to others trough words.

[@ultimobile]

"this is how I see the problem - how do you see it ?" - good - I like that - thanks !

[@VariantAEC]

There is still no set curriculum for teaching English in the US nevermind other languages. Most younger people are apparently taught that definitions of words are up for interpretation. This only helps compound problems and perpetuates miscommunication among peers with comparable levels of education. Education is important here. Most people will obtain a more complete understanding of their language through educational means. This usually is through schools, but home schooling can be just as effective as long as an individual understands the fundamentals of their language they can shape a more complete knowledge of their language through accurate reading material, demonstrations of words and phrases used in sentences and interactions with other individuals who possess similar levels of knowledge in the same language. The bottom line is if we can't stop interpreting language as a subjective means of communication then we can't possibly hope to quell misinterpretation in routine conversations with others.

[@IreneMoore-f8x]

Your content is always relevant and timely!

[@veronarvaez3659]

1. Reconocer la diferencia entre la escucha pasiva y activa 2. Escuchar con los ojos, los oídos y también con tu instinto ( la comunicación es más que solo palabras 3. Tomate tiempo para entender mientras los otros intentan comprenderte 4. Se consiente de tu propia subjetividad

[@vanessavlogs3185]

I imagine communication as devices. Each person has a different receiver of words. And as we throw out our words, each person process them differently

[@mschoi0134]

Good to reflect my own communication style. And it's the opportunity to be aware of my personal perceptional filters. Do not assume from your own perception and take time to understand as you try to be understood.

[@0901강민재]

잘못된 의사소통을 줄이기 위해 의사소통의 과정에서 일어나는 일에 대한 기본적인 이해를 해보는 의미있는 시간이 되었습니다. 내가 생각한것보다 의사소통이 복잡하다는것을 배웠습니다. 좋은 시간 감사합니다.

[@aminerahmouni7882]

Super wise

[@NikhilRamakrishnan1]

The voice of the people speaking in the background is just too good.

[@AnstonMusic]

0:27 No always, the idea might actually be stupid or the concern negligible. The background noises, while humorous, are quite distracting. Good video though.

[@happyjulien6275]

The problem is that you make an effort to understand others, but when others do the same, in the end it's you who suffers.

[@vitorbernardo9789]

no wonder I upset people so easily. I rarely look at them and in general give little feedback

[@GaiatheSage]

it's all about context. slow down & use your understanding of psychology and the world and don't forget to use nonviolent communication methods.

[@Unteroffizier]

Don't listen just to show that you are listening. Counselling trainings teach students to paraphrase, and i have been through such session when i struggle with paraphrasing, finding different words just to paraphrase - it is like a parrot. Only paraphrase when something the other party says you don't quite get it so as to clarify what information you are receive is right. If it is loud and clear then just keep quiet and continue listening. Sometimes when someone tells me they have problems with other parties, and when you try to communicate and gather more information about the issue (just that action alone), you find that you run into difficulties in the communication process. For such cases, you can imagine the cause of the problem for that person, probably the person himself/ herself is the cause of the problem.

[@fireraven1533]

I love how this video is talking about communication and language, but the characters voices are just jumbled sounds XD

[@PranjalSingh]

Yep, gold mine right here. TED-Ed is such a great resource.

[@SuccessMindset2180]

1. Miscommunication is happening by invisible environment alterations caused by others 2. Communication expertise is essential for understanding thoughts of others 3. Simplicity is the key for high end communication

[@mambuayz]

This channel and Crash course channel are the best channel to learn many things for free. Love this age we live in, which is Information Age.

[@rockwilder0]

“I have noticed that nothing I have never said ever did me any harm.” - Calvin Coolidge

[@harshitagrawal9211]

One of the best lessons by Ted-Ed.

[@megamastah]

Gorgeous graphic design. Kudos to Andrew Foerster.

[@flerma223]

Not everyone is willing to listen. Some people's perception filters don't allow for alternative perspectives.

[@liming2104]

it sucks when those people are your family members.

[@flerma223]

Very true:(

[@MatthewDRocks]

Its time to get a shotgun son

[@flerma223]

How about no?

[@luizcabraldemelo660]

Thank you for the clay metaphor, i really liked it. Also, awesome animation!

[@Rajat-n9p]

Awesome ..... understood

[@BennedictPalacay]

I found the video very educational and it really explained properly how miscommunication happens as well as the animation portrayed in the video was explicit.

[@Jarod-te2bi]

Key & peele did a really funny sketch on this type of situation with Tex message.

[@tancredimonteleone5431]

That's the clearest video I've ever watched

[@kenodiref5378]

The clay analogy was brilliant.

[@nufumalangaviorel]

this phenomena is disecated in Ludwig Wittgenstein's "Tractatus logicus-philosophicus". Worth the read

[@GarethEVANS-p1m]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:06 *Miscommunication is common and can lead to confusion or conflict.* 01:04 *Communication is more complex than a simple transmission of messages; it involves feedback and shared meaning.* 02:01 *People interpret messages through subjective lenses influenced by various factors like past experiences, culture, and emotions.* 02:58 *Communication complexity increases with more people involved, each with their own perspectives.* 03:28 *Active listening, considering verbal and nonverbal cues, is crucial for effective communication.* 03:57 *Being aware of personal biases and understanding others' perspectives fosters better dialogue and shared understanding.* Made with HARPA AI

[@annalisavajda252]

Well personally I won several public speaking competitions even in grade school I was valedictorian also then I worked in high end sales for 15 years most of that job requires clear communication skills but there are those who actively seek to distort what others say refuse to ask for clarification or fact check anything can't discern truth and will misunderstood or distort reality best not to speak to them if possible they will think things convoluted if it suits them and their stupidity or arrogance.

[@elenak6934]

It's one of the greatest frustrations of not being fully understood.

[@RockyD90]

I swear that triangle was voiced by lumpy space princess.

[@alli.gattors1807]

totally!

[@antoniogriffin7135]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

[@nichsa8984]

@@alli.gattors1807 apes can speak but needed device a futuristic hologram commucation cyborg interface projector

[@Bunny-pb6dl]

I love your videos. You explain the stuff so well

[@varshashere1608]

Thank you so much ❤

[@richepinca]

This was very helpful in the party of a spokesperson, whether the receiver of the message could get it or not.✌️🤓

[@deekshaaggarwal3245]

Very nicely interpreted ,explained and presented! Found it helpful

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Thank you for the information. This improves my communication.

[@Lizzi190]

Miscommunication in a relationship usually ends it. I would know.

[@BobF510]

Superb work on this material. It's reminiscent of a book I read that fundamentally changed me. "The Art of Saying No: Mastering Boundaries for a Fulfilling Life" by Samuel Dawn

[@DontTouchMyCorn]

and also one has to pay attention to how the other person can be interpreting your message too. this is something that fails a lot, for example when a teacher doesn't understand what part of their explanation is that a student is not understanding or in twitter arguments where one can see both people are not understanding each other, and arguing points the other is obviously misunderstanding. one has to imagine what the other person could be interpreting too.

[@JohnJesus]

There is a wonderful thing that assist with communication called 'dictionary' - there you will learn lots of words (and their respective meanings) that will allow you to say precisely what you want to say -- and you'll find it also much easier to understand those that have their words and meanings confused....

[@h0rysheet]

this is such a timely reminder, esp. the last point on perspectives. thank u!

[@khairunnisarahmi6888]

The animation makes it easier to understand

[@JasonRanter]

i hate school

[@Average_Bottle]

Y

[@johnwilliams4218]

understandable

[@Mathew-c8m]

Same

[@MoonLight-tc1og]

Same

[@Jude-o9k]

Same

[@studentnursesaima5836]

For my uni work- very insightful and will use this in nursing practice

[@Jenavee26]

That last point is helpful to me. Thank you!

[@AnnieLiang1994]

nice,brief introduction to communication models and basic theories

[@erasmusso]

If you really want to know how to avoid miscommunication learn Nonviolent Communication. It's the absolute best way to communicate and it's very easy to learn, the formula is: Observation-Feelings-Needs-Request. If Vulcans from Star Trek existed that's how they would talk.

[@Manuel-jr6op]

Every single person I have ever argued with NEEDS to watch this video. "What do you mean I didn't let you say your side of the argument?! All I did was shut you up and say you're wrong!! >:("

[@solum_mirari5925]

My most recent miscommunication was the last time it snowed. Before it snowed, it sleeted. My brothers and I went out to the creek to see if it was frozen. I slipped on a little bridge, scratching my leg in such a way that I have scratches both on my butt and on the top of my foot. (Don't ask. I have a talent for falling.) When I got back, I got into a heated argument with my mom over whether or not running across the bridge while wearing shorts was a bad idea. She started talking about the ice for a moment, and then she started to talk about the bridge again. "I didn't know it was going to be frozen!!!" I screamed. She busted out laughing because she thought I meant that I didn't know the ice would be frozen.

[@Rah2daB]

Let's please not forget the significance of body language. Nice vid.

[@Elijah-q3l]

Notes on Miscommunication Situations: 1. Misinterpreting Tone: • Sometimes, tone of voice in text messages or emails can be misinterpreted, leading to confusion or unintended offense. 2. Assumptions: • Assuming the other person understands your context or background can lead to gaps in communication, causing misunderstandings. 3. Language Barriers: • Differences in language proficiency or use of jargon can create difficulties in fully understanding the message. 4. Incomplete Information: • Providing or receiving incomplete information can result in tasks being done incorrectly or misaligned expectations. 5. Non-Verbal Cues: • Misreading body language or facial expressions can lead to misunderstandings about someone’s feelings or intentions. 6. Distractions: • Being distracted or not fully paying attention during a conversation can cause you to miss important details or instructions. 7. Overcomplicating Communication: • Using overly complex language or explanations can confuse the other person, making the message unclear. 8. Different Communication Styles: • Differences in communication styles, such as direct vs. indirect communication, can lead to misunderstandings about the message’s intent. Reflecting on these situations can help identify areas for improvement in communication skills.

[@chadventures3491]

It seems like a lot of people misunderstood the video and have little self awareness. However, I must add that the misunderstanding of any individual could very well be overlooked through watching characters speaking in shapes. That's understandable.

[@rafa6222]

According to Robert Selman, a psychologist, in his 1975 work in the Journal of Moral Education, by adolescence, a person must realize that mutual roletaking does not always resolve disputes; there might be rival values that simply cannot be communicated away. Why is this not addressed in this clip? This is an important stumbling block to communication, along with psychological barriers.

[@zoelak1285]

Anyone else here cuz of communications class?

[@kenbobca]

Words to live by for Everyone. Thank you.

[@annanurjanah9549]

Thank you for the illustration. It is really interesting. I would gladly share this to my Communication students at class. :)

[@tusharveeramani3742]

dayumn, TedEd, you cray

[@elmuroasciende]

Wow, thank you so much, the example worths millions of words👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elijahmubianamubz9855]

it makes a lot of sense and it has been very helpful

[@lucaslayton3974]

Lol, that mars probe fiasco segment was the best part of this video XD

[@othutrinh7570]

Đầu tiên phải thực sự lắng nghe nghĩa là chủ động lắng nghe. 2 là lắng nghe 1 cách cởi mở. 3 lọc những gì trong giao tiếp

[@adityathota5158]

Masterfully said

[@TrishaNT-yc7kv]

This was informative and easy to understand! Appreciated the animations explained the content, also liked the symbolisms and tips. They were very helpful! :)

[@colaarc_]

This is really insightful, thank you so much! ❤

[@duniaputri]

😆 as i check the comment section, i really find the animation IS SOOOO AWESOME. as i type the comment, i wonder about "tense, aspect, and modality" 😆 as, of those both, i guess i sometimes rely on instinct, as well as gut feelin' 😆 all is well, as long as it ain't cost me money neither lawsuit. 😆