Have you ever heard of a species of fish called Anableps? If you haven’t you’ll be amazed to learn that Anableps have a unique form of vision. Commonly called “four-eyes”, these surface dwelling fish can simultaneously see both above and under the water contributing to their success. Their lower eyes remain focused in the water seeking food and doing other normal fish things, but the upper eyes are alert to danger from swooping birds that might fancy them for a meal. There’s a lesson in communications to be learned from this species of fish. Like Anableps, communicators not only need to focus on originating the message they want conveyed and the message itself, but they need to be alert to the medium or platform to which the message is delivered and how the message is received. These four components are critical because communications cannot effectively take place between the communicator and the receiver if the message is not understood.  

Here are a few things communicators can focus on to be more effective:

Identify any barriers that may exist between the communicator and the receiver

•          Cultural difference.
•          Environmental (noise, others talking, acoustics etc.).
•          Differences in frames of reference.
•          Assumptions.
•          Attitudes.
•          Sensitivity issues.

 Communicate Clearly with the receiver

•          Exchange ideas, feelings, and values.
•          Use appropriate language, tone, pitch and volume.
•          Provide relevant information.
•          Use non-verbal signals to emphasize and support messages.
•          Clarify.
•          Solicit feedback.
•          Listen.
•          Respond and react to convey understanding.

Select your communication medium

• Choose your communication channels carefully.
•          Think about your audience and how to best communicate with them .

 Consider the receiver

•          The receiver may filter or not hear certain aspects, or any aspect for that matter of a message. Why? Because the message may seem unimportant or too difficult.
•          The receiver may be selective in your attention. For example, the receiver may feel that the communicator is being redundant or boring, so the listener stops listening after the first few words and daydreams instead.
•          Receiver may be preoccupied with something else. Or the receiver’s filtering or lack of attention may be due to their past experiences.
•          The receiver may feel that "this person has never made a point and never will!" The receiver may spend time preparing a response or interrupting the communicator.

Overall, communication can be a difficult process considering all the components involved. Not only do communicators need to keep their finger on the pulse of the way their message is originated and delivered but they also need to be equally aware of the dynamics of  the medium they select to deliver their message and how their message is interpreted. Keep in mind that finding a balance between the view points of the communicator and the receiver are key, in order to relay the message in the most effective way. How do you do this? Actively listen, ask questions, communicate openly and frequently, and offer clarification as needed. In other words, communicators must use “four eyes”! While not always easy to accomplish, learning the skill of Anablep vision can help us all become better communicators.

Katrina Thompson
Marketing and Communications Manager
Idaho Housing and Finance Association