1. PERCEPTION

2. The way a person views the world Using your senses to filter and interpret messages in order to create meanings 2 people can receive the same message but have different perceptions Example: When giving directions– no two people will give the exact same information - Some people focus on directions: N-S-E-W - Some people focus on what way to turn: left or right - Some people focus on landmarks: Turn at huge Amoco sign - People have different perceptions because no 2 people are the same

3. 5 Reasons People Perceive Things Differently

4. -We don’t all have the same eye sight, hearing or odor sensitivity 1. Physical Differences

5. Example: - If a farmer in Missouri saw a 4-legged animal with a long tail eating grass would he assume it to be a cow OR a zebra? - If a farmer in Africa saw a 4-legged animal with a long tail eating grass would he assume it to be a cow OR a zebra? 2. Differences in past experience or background You try… -What is a lot of money? -What is a tall man? -What is an old lady? -What is a long time ago?

6. Example: - Ever notice how the world seems bad when you are in a horrible mood? 3. Differences in current feelings or circumstances X

7. -Each day you receive so much information that you have to filter it -Different people consider different things to be important -Some days you may focus on the details & other days you may focus on the big picture 4. Differences in Using Information

8. -You often see/hear exactly what you expect to… expectations influence perception -Example: If you expect your new friend’s mom to hate your hair & clothes then you will probably perceive her to be unfriendly 5. Differences in Expectations

9. -People share common meanings -We have… - shared experiences -live in the same general area -know some of the same people -listen to similar music -read some of the same books -watch some of the same movies So, if everyone perceives things differently... HOW CAN WE COMMUNICATE?