An Opinion or Reaction? Be careful what you ask for
There’s a lot to be said in how you communicate, not just what. From tone to choice words, miscommunication happens when expectations differ from sender to receiver! When presenting an idea, concept, visual, logo or web design, HOW you present will affect the response you will receive. Sounds silly?
There’s a lot to be said in how you communicate, not just what. From tone to choice words, miscommunication happens when expectations differ from sender to receiver! When presenting an idea, concept, visual, logo or web design, HOW you present will affect the response you will receive. Sounds silly?
Take this example – you’ve created a logo that is outstanding! It achieves everything on the creative brief, is eye catching and clever. You want a response – someone else to rave with on how great your design is. You approach Julia…she has little to no graphic experience, but has a nicely decorated house. “Julia, what do you think about this?” You just asked Julia for her opinion on a subject that she could or could not be qualified to answer on. HOWEVER, because you asked for her opinion, Julia is obligated to give you some sort of response? More so than not, she would assume you are questioning the piece and are looking for constructive criticism. “It looks a little old fashion to me?” she replies…Old Fashion…Old Fashion? She has no idea what she is talking about! Maybe she should look at how she decorates her home – my Grandmothers’ house is more modern!
<< Rewind Situation
Same girl, same logo, same words but different delivery:
Julia, what do you think about this! The second example was a statement! In your delivery, you weren’t asking for anything rather than seeking a reaction to what you presented. The same person would give you a completely different response to the same logo. “Cool! I Love it!” she responds, verifying that Julia is in fact cool and her eclectic taste in home furnishing is next to genius!
When presenting to one or 10, remember that if you ask for criticism, no matter how qualified or not, people will certainly over analyze what ever you are presenting…rather, hold your head high, present with confidence and stand behind your qualified point of view – after all, they did hire you for your qualifications didn’t they?