What do perceptions in communication refer to?

Perceptions in communication primarily refer to the personal interpretations individuals make regarding the context of messages they receive. This involves how people understand, interpret, and make sense of the information based on their own experiences, beliefs, emotions, and social backgrounds. Communication is not only about the exchange of factual information but also about how that information is perceived by the receiver, which can significantly influence the effectiveness of the interaction.

Understanding perception is essential in communication as it emphasizes that each person may take away different meanings from the same message, which can lead to varied responses and interpretations in conversations. This highlights the subjective nature of communication, as the meaning derived from messages is often framed by individual perspectives. Thus, personal interpretations of message contexts capture the heart of what perceptions in communication entail.