Did I say what I thought I said?

Communication. 

We do/use it every day. Sometimes, things become so obvious to us, so taken for granted that we assume everyone is operating from the same basic understanding that we are, the same starting point. 
But, that is not always the case.

A great example is an old riddle...

There is a bit of water and broken glass on the floor. George and Gracie are dead. How did they die?

In an attempt to solve this riddle, you offer many solutions, you also have many questions. As with all murder investigations, the important first detail is the identity of the victim or victims. 
Most people begin to solve this riddle (assuming you haven't heard it before) with the same basic assumption; that George and Gracie are people. In fact, this basic assumption sends you down a path of thinking that will direct you away from the solution. 
George and Gracie are goldfish. They died because their tank (bowl) broke.

Often times in our daily communication, we believe that others around us are operating from the same basic assumptions that we are when, in fact, they may not be.

Equally often, we may form half a thought in our head and communicate the rest of the thought without even realizing the first half no one heard but us.

A brilliant step in clear, connected communication is making sure that your audience is absolutely on the same page that you are. This is true whether you are speaking to a group, an auditorium or one individual.

Can you think of places where you have run into a misunderstanding based on faulty basic assumptions? I know I can! 

Keep this in mind this week when you're communicating and make sure you are saying what you mean to be saying.