By using words in a structured way we are able to communicate with each other.  As long as the meaning of the words has a common interpretation we can share both concrete and conceptual ideas with others.

Of course the rub occurs when, although we believe there is a common understanding of the words meaning, personal  perceptions and associated bias can result in altered interpretations.

 Validation

Fortunately our meanings can usually be expressed through a variety of words and sentence structures.   This allows for  use to deliver a message (written or verbal) and have the receiver replay it to us with alternate phrasing and structure.

This type of check can result in identification of different interpretations  and ultimately resolve communication disconnects before they occur.

Re-statement is an extremely effective technique I use frequently to avoid confusion.  It does require patience and can be frustrating, often others wonder why you seem to be repeating everything they say, just differently.

Terminology

Words can be very specialized.  On occasion a specific body of terms can be developed solely for a technical application, study subject or profession.

In these cases the words are often not in broad general use as the terminology applies to very specific cases. It is critically important practitioner validate the meaning of such  terms in advance to ensure a commonality of discourse.

Specifc practitioners can often morph their terminology to fit the environment and practitioners with complementary skills, but from different environments, might have developed different meanings for what sound like common terms.

Without validation this can create a very frustrating and volatile situation.