Читать книгу The Interpersonal Communication Playbook - Teri Kwal Gamble - Страница 148

Although perceptual disagreements can drive us apart, if we exhibit a willingness to experience the world from another person’s perspective, we can enhance communication. Rather than argue over whose point of view or behavior is right, it is more productive to understand the factors that create differences in our interpretations and then work to adapt to and bridge those differences.

Connect the Case: The Case of Dax’s Trial

Dax had not been happy when he received the notice to report to the courthouse for jury duty. He was even less happy when he found that he had no valid reason to be excused from the obligation.

When he reported to the courthouse, things went just fine. He was not called during the morning session, so he was able to finish reading a novel. Then it all began.

Dax was called for the jury selection phase of a murder trial. Before he knew it, he was on the jury, and the trial had started.

Two days into the trial, Dax began to wonder about the entire process. Twelve different witnesses had been called to testify about what had happened on the street corner where the murder had occurred. All twelve described different versions of the event.

Was this possible? How could so many people not agree on what had happened? Dax wished he could have a chance to question the witnesses himself. Was each of them certain of his or her perception? To what degree did the relationship each did or did not share with the defendant or the victim influence the reports? How could the jury decide?