We know that the three main channels of input in most person-to-person communications, at least at work, are visual, auditory and kinaesthetic.  We are going to look at the fact that each of us has a preferred way of receiving input.  It is the way that we are most comfortable and capable with receiving information through.  This is a general preference – we can and do change our preference from time to time in response to the environment or the needs of the situation at hand.  There is usually a dominate preference for one channel over others.

One area in which it is easy to understand this preference is in learning:

• Learn by demonstration – visual learner
• Learn by listening to directions, listening to lectures or reading – auditory learner
• Learn by doing something hands-on or by trying it yourself – kinaesthetic learner

This is good to know because then you can maximize your potential for learning if you have other give you input in the way that works best for you.  If you can learn how others prefer to receive input, you can deliver it to them in that mode as well.  We call this ‘being on the same wavelength’ with someone else.  Doing so takes basic communication to the next level because it makes you much more effective in getting your message across to the other party.  Being able to communicate so well helps to build additional rapport and improve relationships.