## Communication: The Importance of Context | Engaged HR
Source URL:: <https://engagedhr.com/the-importance-of-context/>
"Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Think about the other person hearing what you have to say for the first time. If you were in their shoes, what would you need to know to be able to put the message into context?
"Level the power dynamic. Remember that when you are communicating information without any context, it can feel like you know more than the other person. This creates a power imbalance that can put others on the defensive. To remove that feeling, be open! Let them know how you know the information, and share as many details as you can.
"Anticipate what the inevitable questions are going to be. Answer the question before it is even asked–when you provide context and provide holistic information by anticipating questions, you’re helping the receiver reach conclusions easily"
### Highlights
> [!quote]+ %%Updated on Mon Apr 18 2022 00:51:51 GMT-0400%%
>
> Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Think about the other person hearing what you have to say for the first time. If you were in their shoes, what would you need to know to be able to put the message into context? I
> [!quote]+ %%Updated on Mon Apr 18 2022 00:52:12 GMT-0400%%
>
> Level the power dynamic. Remember that when you are communicating information without any context, it can feel like you know more than the other person. This creates a power imbalance that can put others on the defensive. To remove that feeling, be open! Let them know how you know the information, and share as many details as you can.
> [!quote]+ %%Updated on Mon Apr 18 2022 00:52:27 GMT-0400%%
>
> Anticipate what the inevitable questions are going to be. Answer the question before it is even asked –when you provide context and provide holistic information by anticipating questions, you’re helping the receiver reach conclusions easily