Are you are responsible for what you said, or what people heard you say? 

What a double edged sword this one is. There are only two ways to go about it, I think. On one hand there is not so much what you said but how. If your content does not match your gestures and mimics than don’t be surprised if you’ll find yourself on a person to be avoided list.

The other side of this medal is strictly that you can say what you want and how people understand you is yet another thing. And it does not even matter sometimes what you say and how, you just will never be understood – because the other person may not want to understand you. Prejudice and judgment are a 21^st century infliction that probably has never been any worse in history.

How do you keep yourself out of trouble? Do not send out mixed body language messages and make sure your content is on target and professional. There is only so much you can do though. Be natural and honest – if some meanies still do not like you and keep misunderstanding you there is nothing you will be able to do about that. Be yourself. Period.

Ralf