A Course on Clear, Confident Communication
A Course on Clear, Confident Communication
Clear communication may be defined as the art of transferring an idea, or piece of information, from your mind, into the mind of another, without distortion, error, omission or misunderstanding: Meaning: the idea or piece of information, in the mind of the listener, at the end of the communication, is exactly the one that you intended the listener to have.
"A course on clear communication" would be a course on how you may use your words to achieve the above stated definition.
If we agree upon this definition of clear communication, you will probably also agree that this is a difficult skill to master.
Sadly, all too frequently, we fail to clearly communicate information and ideas.
The idea or piece of information, in the mind of the listener, at the end of your communication, is, not, the one that you intended. Meaning; that somewhere along the line, the wires were crossed; the meaning was missed, the message was misunderstood, or its definition was lost. And as a result of the mis-communication, the other person is thinking things that you never intended; or, the other person thinks he has understood your words, but has in-fact, misinterpreted the message and has something else in mind. So, then he goes off and implements the wrong action. And later, when you find out what he did, you are annoyed and frustrated that you seem to be surrounded by idiots, who "can't seem to understand a simple instruction".
Remember this rule:
Your ultimate success is dependent on your ability to gain the cooperative assistance of other people.
And in order to gain the cooperative assistance of others you must be able to communicate with them, and leave the right information and the right ideas, in their minds.
You must be able to communicate clearly.
How can you learn to communicate clearly?
One thing you could do is this: You could attend our clear communication skills course.
You would learn the specifics of how to ensure that what you mean to say is what you do say. You would also learn how to ensure that the other person does not misunderstand what you meant.
To get us started, here are five notes on the issue of clear communication
- Make clarity of verbal expression, a top priority. Don't accept from yourself sloppy language. Demand from yourself the attempt of using the exact words that denote your exact meaning.
- Try to use numbers in your speech. Give exact times, exact amounts, exact measurements. Or at least as exact as the situation allows.
For example: Don't say, "The journey will take you ages." Say instead, "I estimate that the journey will take between two and two and a half hours." Use numbers to express your message in more exact terms. - Give definitions for all your major terms. Many words are abstract, with many possible meanings and interpretations. It is important, therefore, before you go on, to give a definition of your interpretation of the term,. For example, if you look at the beginning of this blog, you will find that I have started with a definition of the term, clear communication. I did that because communication is an abstract term with many possible interpretations, and I wanted to make sure that you had in mind, my interpretation, before we did anything else.
That same principle holds at all times.
Define all your major terms - Speak in affirmative terms
Speaking in affirmative terms means talk about those things: That do exist. That you are going to do. That you do believe in. That you do like. That you do support. That you are going to see.
Do not talk too much about the opposite.
Don't talk about those things: That do NOT exist. That you are NOT going to do. That you do NOT believe in. That you do NOT like. That you do NOT support. That you are NOT going to see.
- We do not need to know where you are not going on holiday.
- We might be interested to know where you are going on holiday.
We are not interested to know what you won't do.
We are interested to know what you will do.
- We are not interested to know what you can't do about it.
- We are interested to know what you can do about it.
The fourth principle is, "Speak in affirmative terms".
Distinguish between objective and subjective language
Objective language describes facts that are verifiable by direct sense perception. Objective language is non-emotional, non-evaluative, and non-judgemental.
Example of objective language. "In Britain there are laws governing our conduct".
Subjective language is the opposite. Subjective language is the language of emotion, evaluation and judgements. Subjective language is not factual. It is more opinionated.
Example of subjective language: "In Britain, there are too many oppressive laws governing our behaviour to an intolerable degree."
Can you see, and feel the difference between objective and subjective language? It is important to know the difference.
Use the right kind of language for the intended purpose. Don't use factual language in situations where emotional language would be required. For example, if you are proposing marriage, I suggest emotional language. Don't use emotional language where factual language is required. For example, if you are giving evidence in court, then you should use factual, objective language.
Summary
Communication may be defined as the art of transferring an idea, or piece of information, from your mind into the mind of another, without distortion, error or misunderstanding:
Avoid the barriers of successful communication.
How can you learn to communicate clearly?
- Make clarity of verbal expression, a top priority.
- Try to use numbers in your speech.
- Give definitions for all your major terms.
- Speak in affirmative terms. We are interested to know only what you can, do about it.
- Distinguish between objective and subjective language. Use the right kind of language for the intended purpose.
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Definition: clear communication
Clear communication is a business skill that moves an idea from one mind to another without loss. It uses exact words, numbers and agreed terms, keeps away mistakes or mixed meaning, and ends when both sides hold the same idea and can act on it.
Show CG4D Definition
- moves an idea from sender to listener without change
- avoids errors, gaps, or mixed meaning
- relies on exact words, numbers and set terms
- creates shared understanding that guides right action
Article Summary
Clear, confident communication moves an idea from your mind to another’s without loss; use exact words, numbers, clear definitions, an affirmative tone and the right mix of objective and subjective language to cut errors, save time and win support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does clear communication mean?
Why does miscommunication happen so often?
How do exact numbers improve verbal clarity?
When should I define key terms in a talk?
How do objective and subjective language differ?
Why use affirmative language instead of negatives?
How can I avoid common communication barriers at work?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Grammarly and The Harris Poll (2023) found that workers lose an average of 7.47 hours each week because of poor communication, almost one full working day. The CIPD Learning at Work Survey 2024 shows that 61% of UK organisations list communication skills as their main training priority for 2024.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
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Advanced Communications Skills
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