Reader 15

When Good Intentions Create Confusion

Good intentions do not always lead to clear results. A person may want to help, explain, or protect someone, but the way the message is delivered can create confusion. For example, someone may avoid giving full information because they do not want to worry another person. However, the missing details may cause the person to misunderstand the situation. In this case, the intention is kind, but the result is unclear. People often judge themselves by what they meant, while others respond to what they actually received.

This difference between intention and result is important in communication. A speaker may say, “I was only trying to help,” but the listener may still feel confused, pressured, or left out. The speaker’s intention matters, but it does not erase the effect of the message. Better communication happens when people consider both. They can ask, “What am I trying to say?” and also, “How might this sound to the other person?” When people think about the message from more than one side, good intentions are more likely to produce helpful results.

SPEAK

1. Why do good intentions sometimes create confusion?

2. What example does the article give about missing details?

3. What is the difference between what people mean and what others receive?

4. Why does intention not erase the effect of a message?

5. What two questions can help improve communication?

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences about a time when good intentions could still create confusion. Explain what would make the message clearer. Use the sentence prompts.

1. There are times that good intentions can create confusion if …

2. The things that will make a message clearer are…

LISTEN

Listen to the recording and respond.

• What did the speaker say?

• How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

• Use the reading to support your response.

Steve exp 15.m4a