Become a Better Communicator: Three Key Questions
Three Key Questions
If you want to become a better communicator, these three questions will help:
- When you say that, what do you mean specifically?
- Can you give me a concrete example to illustrate your exact meaning?
- What are the three or four distinguishing characteristics that separate your thing from other similar things?
Let's look at each of these in turn and see how we might use them.
1. When you say that, what do you mean specifically?
This question asks the speaker to clarify vague statements. It ensures that everyone shares the same understanding. For example, if a manager says, "We need to improve our teamwork," asking, "What do you mean specifically when you say 'teamwork'?" helps to pinpoint the exact area to focus on.
To enhance communication and ensure clarity in discussions, consider taking our Communication Skills Training.
2. Can you give me a concrete example to illustrate your exact meaning?
Asking for a concrete example transforms abstract ideas into tangible instances. This not only clarifies the meaning but also helps to identify any assumptions or generalisations. Suppose someone says, "He was very aggressive." 'Aggressive' is a very vague term, which could mean practically anything, so you might ask, "Can you give me a concrete example that illustrates how exactly this person was being aggressive?" When the person provides specific instances of the aggression, then we have a clearer understanding of what they mean.
Mastering this skill is essential for Leadership and Management, where clear communication is key to effective decision-making.
3. What are the three or four distinguishing characteristics that separate your thing from other similar things?
This question encourages a detailed comparison and contrast, which reveals the unique distinguishing characteristics of the thing in question. If someone discusses a business strategy, for example, asking them to explain its unique characteristics that set it apart from other similar strategies will help you understand its unique identity.
For those who want to refine their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, our Decision Making and Problem Solving Course provides practical techniques to distinguish between similar ideas effectively.
By using these three questions, we help people to clarify their exact meaning and thus gain a greater understanding.
Definition: clarifying question
A clarifying question is a question used in business talk to make sure all people share the same clear meaning. It asks the speaker to give more exact words, facts, or real examples, checks that the listener has understood rightly, and is asked straight away before any plan or act follows.
Show CG4D Definition
- seeks to clear up vague or unclear statements
- requests concrete facts or real examples
- confirms shared understanding between speaker and listener
- occurs during the talk before decisions or actions are taken
Article Summary
Poor communication drains firms of billions, yet three simple questions fix it: ask what they mean, request a clear example, and find what sets the idea apart. These prompts turn vague words into shared insight and drive quicker, smarter action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What makes clarifying vague words vital for better communication?
How does asking for a concrete example turn talk into action?
When should I ask, “What do you mean specifically?”
What if the speaker struggles to give an example?
Why focus on three or four distinguishing characteristics?
Can these questions reduce workplace conflict?
How can I remember to use the three questions daily?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 State of Business Communication report by Grammarly and The Harris Poll estimates that poor workplace communication now costs UK and US organisations about £1 trillion in lost productivity each year. LinkedIn Learning’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that 89 percent of learning leaders rank communication as the most important skill for employees.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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