Reaction versus Response

Do we talk to get a reaction or a response from others?

Our intention defines the quality of the exchange and it’s outcome – whether the audience reacts or responds to us. That difference can be explained in terms of whether our communication is a ‘monologue’ or a ‘dialogue’.

Even when the trendy communication props are in place, it isn’t difficult to spot the self-serving monologues – often masquerading as interactive dialogues. You’ll get an insight into how the ping-pong game of monologue is played out by watching two politicians talking, or the typical political interview – each side is simply delivering their respective sound bites and not engaged with the other’s arguments.

To help you spot the difference when you talk between getting a reaction or a response from others, here are a few guidelines.

Some typical characteristics of a ‘monologue’:

• talking AT someone
• a closed form of communication, i.e. one-way messages & viewpoints
• curated comments and explanations that push a specific agenda, i.e. create a REACTION  
• no ‘real’ attempt to listen to & reflect on what the other is saying
• impersonal language filled with jargon, sound-bits and buzzwords

Being in a ‘dialogue’ with someone is about a deeper, richer and more textured form of exchange.

Some typical characteristics of a ‘dialogue’:

• two-way exchange
• talking/engaging WITH someone
• an open exchange of active listening & deep reflection that can lead to a shift in opinions – on both sides
• exchange is the result of mutual RESPONSE, i.e. actively responding to what the other is saying rather than waiting for the opportunity to speak
• direct, personal language that is jargon-free

Here’s a short quote by Andy Sivell that will help you understand the profound difference between getting a reaction (monologue) and a response (dialogue) these two forms of communicating:

“Two monologues do not make a dialogue“