Which factor can influence how a receiver interprets a message?

Emotions play a significant role in how a receiver interprets a message because they can fundamentally shape perception and understanding. When a receiver is experiencing certain emotions—be it happiness, anger, sadness, or anxiety—these feelings can color their interpretations of verbal and non-verbal cues within the message. Emotional state can create biases that affect focus, comprehension, and the overall significance attributed to the content being communicated. For instance, if a receiver is feeling particularly stressed, they might misinterpret a neutral message as negative or critical.

While the length of the message, the clarity of the sender, and the medium of delivery can also impact communication, none do so as directly and variably as the receiver's emotional state. For example, a concise message can still be misinterpreted if the receiver's emotions distort their understanding. Similarly, a highly clear message might be overlooked entirely if the receiver is distracted or upset. Therefore, recognizing that emotions can modify how a message is received and interpreted is essential for effective communication.