Why communication breaks down
Step 1 / 3·'I already said it' is not communication
0/3 steps done
Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Explain the communication model and the role of the feedback loop
- Identify the types of noise that distort a message
- Understand why the sender owns successful transmission
'I already said it' is not communication
Understand that communication completes only when the receiver understands correctly.
Most of us think communication is SAYING something. In fact, communication only completes when the receiver UNDERSTANDS what you meant. 'But I already told them' is the classic sign of failed communication: the message was transmitted, but it never arrived.
The basic model has four parts: the SENDER encodes an idea into words → the MESSAGE travels through a channel (speech, email, chat) → the RECEIVER decodes it through their own frame → FEEDBACK tells the sender whether it landed. Without the feedback step, you're broadcasting, not communicating.
The foundational principle
THE SENDER OWNS SUCCESSFUL TRANSMISSION. If the listener misunderstands, blaming 'they weren't listening' solves nothing. Good communicators check understanding rather than assuming they were clear enough.
Key takeaway: Communication completes when the receiver understands correctly — and that responsibility sits with the sender.