„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

deep structure of mental experience into an observable or “surface” structure that can
then be communicated are identified in the Meta Model.
The first process consists of incorporating all relevant data in the transformation
from deep to surface structure. Because language is essentially a summary of actual
experience, it is inevitable that some information will be lost; however, it is important
that such losses be limited to data concerning insignificant details.
The second process involves accurately translating the range of the experience from
deep to surface structure. When this process is distorted, the individual focuses the
surface structure on a single aspect of the actual experience, thereby setting erroneous
limitations.
The third basic process concerns the correct use of logic. Although the deep
structure is inevitably logical, the transformation of deep to surface structure may
introduce a variety of illogical elements.
Thus, each of the three basic processes presents the potential for error: In the first
case, significant information can be lost; during the second process, erroneous limiting
of the experience can occur; and the third process can generate errors in logic. The Meta
Model provides people with appropriate responses to correct these errors and to help
clarify the meanings of messages. It should be noted, though, that the errors specified in
the model are often related to psychological disorders. Thus, it is only in the context of
psychotherapy that extensive use of the Meta Model is appropriate for interacting with
one other person in particular.
However, occasional use of responses inspired by this model can be valuable in a
group-facilitation setting to improve the communication process. The following
paragraphs provide a detailed discussion of each error and suggested responses for
correcting the error.
Informational Errors
The process of transforming relevant information can result in four different types of
errors: deletion, references to unspecified people, use of unspecified verbs, and
nominalization.
Deletion occurs when a significant aspect of an experience is omitted. For example,
during a group discussion a member might say, “I disagree.” An appropriate response in
terms of the Meta Model is to ask for identification of the element omitted: “With what
do you disagree?”
The second type of information error, references to unspecified people, results from
the use of vague or general nouns and pronouns. For instance, a group member might
say, “They don’t like me.” In responding one must ask to whom the word “they” refers:
“Who doesn’t like you?”
Use of unspecified verbs is the third type of error. A member of a group might say,
for example, “This group ignores me.” The group leader might request clarification by
asking, “Exactly what does the group do that makes you feel ignored?”
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The Pfeiffer Library Volume 6, 2nd Edition. Copyright © 1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer