The gap between intent and interpretation

What lessons can we take from this fresh understanding of denotation vs connotation?

Here’s how I think about it:

Even if, as a message sender, you use a word with the intention of its denotation, you do not have control over other people’s interpretation. If their interpretation deviates from your intent, problems arise.

You don’t want to be afraid of connotations but you do need to be aware. Come prepared to address friction, improve clarity, and close the gap between your intent and their interpretation.

At the same time, don’t let unintentional connotations and other people’s interpretations frame your messages.

So when you send a message of importance, work hard to understand the literal meaning of what you’re saying but also the underlying feelings and associations people may assign to it. Especially the ones people may feel hesitant to share with you.

You control the message you send, but not the message people receive. When you send a message of importance, your highest priority is that people receive the message you intend.

What lessons do you take from this?

Event + Response = Outcome. Do the work.