To communicate referentially is
to speak so that others will understand and to listen so that you will
understand others or know when you have not. People at all levels can be poor
referential communicators, depending in part the complexity of variables that
enters into the communication situations.
A scientist, for example, may be
unable to communicate successfully with a layperson about a “quark” because of
the difficulty of the subject matter and difference in vocabulary between the
two people.
Referential communication skills
involve the ability to provide and understand specific information. These
skills are important in cockpit environment to give directions, explanations and
situational briefings. The evolution of standard communication phraseology in
aviation was necessitated from these differences in vocabularies of individuals
engaged in a complex activity. In a rapidly changing environment, it is also
necessary that crew is able to communicate effectively, succinctly and without
ambiguity. Be it routine procedures, emergency handling or a high stress situation
like evacuation, clear and unambiguous communication is essential.
