Misunderstandings often separate friendships, marriages, business agreements and other various plans from their original intent. Our words, if not spoken or written in clarity, can result in unnecessary pain and related discomfort for those who are impacted. There is a comical and well-known illustration of a British lady looking for a room to live in while visiting Switzerland. Unsure of where to turn, she decided to go to the village school and speak with the principal. Normally, this individual knows others who may have rooms for rent.  After being directed to several rooming possibilities and finding a suitable room, she returned to England for her luggage. Once there, she remembered that she hadn’t asked about a bathroom or “water closet” as it was called in England. Since she had a delay, until she returned to Switzerland, she felt compelled to write the principal with her question and referred to the facilities in her letter as a “WC.” 

When the principal received the letter, he noticed the initials “WC” and was puzzled. Shortly afterwards, he saw his friend the parish priest  and asked if he understood what the initials meant. The priest decided the woman must be asking about a “wayside chapel” and passed along his thoughts to his friend. 

Now, think for a moment. You are the woman. You receive a reply to your letter and read the following: 

Dear Madam: 

I regret very much the delay in answering your letter. But I now take the pleasure in informing you that a “WC” is located about 9 kilometers from the house, in the center of a beautiful grove of trees. It is capable of seating 250 people at a time. It is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday of each week. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along and make it a day. They usually arrive early and stay late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago. It was so crowded, we had to stand the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that there is a supper being planned to raise money to buy more seats. Likewise, it may interest you to know that my daughter met her husband the first time in the “WC”, and they were later married in the ‘WC.” I would like to say it pains me very much not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely lack of desire on my part. As we grow older, it seems to be more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. If you should decide to come for a visit, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks. Remember, this is a friendly community. 

Sincerely, 

The Principal 

WOW! How do you think she felt: puzzled, worried or wildly confused? Words can be misunderstood can’t they? That is why it is so very important that we insure that the words we speak or write bring clarity not confusion to those who are our intended target. Whether we are a manager or senior leader of a large organization, a small business owner, a public official, a husband, wife, son or daughter, or a neighbor; what we say, write and convey can have an impact. Therefore, we must insure our conversations and communications are understood. 

• It is important to organize your thoughts when possible and mentally or physically practice your communication prior to delivery.
• Speak or write when possible in terms of an eight grade level so that virtually anyone can understand what you are attempting to present.
• Finally, ask regarding understanding in some fashion that does not intimidate or embarrass the receiver of your message. That way you can insure confusion is avoided and the intent is received. 

In the future, when you have communications of any nature, stop and think about the story of the “WC”. Use its simple learning lesson to help you become a master communicator and to more effectively help others to better understand.