Clear Communication Skills Blog
Chris Farmer's Leadership and Management Training Blog
Welcome - the purpose of the blog page is to provide you with a never ending source of valuable, practical and entertaining information designed to help you get the best performance from yourself and others.
In these blogs you will find all the information you need to make faster progress in less time and effort. Here you will find all the information you need to achieve your goals. In addition to helping yourself to achieve your goals, you can use the same information to help others to achieve their goals.
Clear Communication Skills Blogs
Communication is essential because, in order to succeed, you need to gain the willing cooperation of others. In order to gain to that, you need to communicate effectively. Effective communication is CLEAR communication.
Clear communication occurs when your words convey only ONE meaning.
UNCLEAR communication occurs when your words convey multiple meanings.
When your words convey multiple meanings, you are creating the conditions for chaos, since each person who hears your message, interprets it differently.
When the team hears an unclear, indistinct or vague communication, each member acts according to their own interpretation; and the net result is chaos.
If you want to be a good communicator then you need to think, write and speak in clear and unambiguous terms.
In order to clarify your meaning, you need to master four skills.
- How to use specific rather than vague terms
- Giving definitions for all your major terms
- Defining your terms numerically
- Defining your terms by using visual images
You need to avoid using words and phrases that are too abstract; and that mean something different to each member of the group. For example, if I said, “Go out and do the RIGHT THING!”. The term, Right Thing means something different to each person.
And in the same way, if a person says, “Our Tax system must be fair”, the meaning of the word “Fair” means something different for everyone who hears it.
Therefore, you need to be ready, willing and able to define and specify every term that is capable of misunderstanding. Because the following law is true.
Whatever can be misunderstood, will be misunderstood.
And your task as a communicator is to transfer knowledge without misunderstanding.
Clear Communication Skills Blogs
The Nlp Meta Model
25 March 2025
Learn the NLP Meta Model and spot deletions, distortions and generalisations. Ask smart questions, remove confusion and drive clarity at work and in life.
Continue Reading >How to Develop Self-Confidence
18 March 2025
Learn how to build self confidence by reshaping your self image. Apply the RAPID method-five clear steps-to swap doubt for daily certainty and stronger results.
Continue Reading >The Nlp Meta Model - Clear Thinking, Clear Communication
3 December 2024
Learn how the NLP Meta Model exposes deletions, distortions and generalisations so you can ask better questions, correct thinking and drive clear communication.
Continue Reading >Effective Communication In the Workplace - Practical Examples for Success
15 October 2024
Learn practical, effective communication skills to set clear goals, give feedback, manage conflict and boost workplace morale. Discover steps for success.
Continue Reading >Finding a Common Frame of Reference
30 April 2024
Stop labelling people. Learn how a common frame of reference built on rational thinking boosts unity in the workplace, sharp decisions and rational optimism.
Continue Reading >Investigative Vs Ordinary Conversations
23 April 2024
Discover how an investigative conversation beats an ordinary chat: stay goal-focused, insist on clear answers, and push past evasion to uncover facts fast.
Continue Reading >How to be an Effective Communicator
2 January 2024
Learn six techniques for effective communication-positive language, clear reasons, numbers, definitions, limits and summaries-to cut errors and build trust.
Continue Reading >Mastering the Art of Conversing Knowledgeably on Unfamiliar Topics
24 October 2023
Learn a simple five-step method to talk about unfamiliar topics, use broad knowledge, fill gaps with facts and experience, and engage listeners with confidence.
Continue Reading >Six Step Formula for Investigative Interviews
7 February 2023
Use a six-step investigative interview method: listen, take notes, probe answers, flag contradictions, set the timeline and capture a narrative as evidence.
Continue Reading >How to Overcome the 6 Barriers of Communication
10 January 2023
Learn six clear steps to spot and overcome mental and physical communication barriers like inattentiveness, prejudice, distractions and unclear language.
Continue Reading >What is the Conversation Cycle?
22 November 2022
Learn how the conversation cycle – inform, invite, listen, acknowledge – sharpens communication skills, fuels two-way dialogue and lifts team results.
Continue Reading >How to Politely Say 'No' to your Boss
25 October 2022
Learn how to say no to boss requests without harm. Use clear reasons, positive replies and set boundaries to avoid work overload and keep good relations.
Continue Reading >How to Start a Presentation
12 July 2022
Learn how to start a presentation with confidence. Use a smile, clear timing, questions, stories or bold views to grab attention and avoid common mistakes.
Continue Reading >Virtual Presenting Skills
8 March 2022
Learn virtual presenting skills that grab attention and structure online talks. Use clear language, quick tasks and action lists to keep listeners alert.
Continue Reading >Presentation Skills for Nervous People
4 January 2022
Learn presentation skills that turn nerves into confidence. Our six-step method covers purpose, structure, pace, voice and body language so you speak with ease.
Continue Reading >Ten Top Tips for Sending Professional Calendar Meeting Invites
12 October 2021
Send a professional meeting invite that grabs attention: learn ten calendar invite tips to state the goal, share a plan, and boost attendance and results.
Continue Reading >Learn to Spot Logical Lies
10 August 2021
Learn how to spot five common logical fallacies, ask for proof, avoid bias and make sound choices. Sharpen critical thinking with simple tips you can use today.
Continue Reading >Six Body Language Tips for Virtual Meetings
2 March 2021
Boost virtual meeting body language with six quick tips. Learn camera etiquette, clear gestures and a winning smile to engage your Zoom or Teams audience.
Continue Reading >Why is Communication Skills Training Important?
4 August 2020
Discover how communication skills training helps staff avoid costly misunderstandings, win agreement, build rapport, inspire action and solve problems fast.
Continue Reading >What are the Factors of Effective Communication?
31 July 2020
Learn the four factors of effective communication: clear thought, specific words, empathetic listening and positive intent. Improve workplace results today.
Continue Reading >16 Ways you can Use Questions
12 June 2020
Learn how asking questions in 16 different ways sharpens communication skills, guides dialogue, gains agreement and sparks positive feelings in every talk.
Continue Reading >Think Before you Speak
28 April 2020
Think before you speak to avoid careless words that cost careers. Learn four steps to make the right call, protect your reputation and boost communication
Continue Reading >Delivering Effective Customer Service
3 March 2020
Learn how communication, a positive attitude, technical skills and higher standards combine to deliver effective customer service that meets customer expect t
Continue Reading >Do you Make Any of These Communication Mistakes?
7 February 2020
Spot and correct six common communication mistakes: talk less, listen more, use positive words, steady voice and clear body language to boost every conversation
Continue Reading >The Most Important Question
15 November 2019
Stop guessing and start asking. Learn how one simple question drives clear communication, cuts costly misunderstanding, boosts credibility and saves hours at
Continue Reading >The Six Barriers of Successful Communication
5 November 2019
Learn the six communication barriers-perception, language, emotion, culture, taste and gender-and get clear steps to overcome each for better results.
Continue Reading >Six Top Tips to Improve your Communication
20 September 2019
Learn how to improve communication with six clear tips: speak with clarity, reason and optimism, listen actively, ask smart questions and respect people.
Continue Reading >Communication Mistakes
10 September 2019
Learn how to spot and fix the five common communication mistakes that cost teams time and clients. Keep space, talk less, add value, listen and drop swearing.
Continue Reading >The Secrets of Effective Communication
16 July 2019
Learn the three laws of effective communication: use words that paint clear images, match intent and spark the right emotions to prevent misunderstanding.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills: Abc Principle
2 July 2019
Learn the ABC principle for effective communication: craft accurate, brief and clear messages that build trust, save time and prevent costly errors each day.
Continue Reading >How Language Causes Confusion
29 May 2019
Learn how to spot and fix language confusion. Discover five common word traps and simple steps for clear communication that saves time, money and trust at work.
Continue Reading >The Importance of Business Communication Skills
17 May 2019
Improve profits and morale by sharpening business communication skills. Learn how to share goals, listen to feedback and lead change with clear, positive
Continue Reading >How to Prevent Misunderstandings
2 April 2019
Learn seven clear communication tips that prevent misunderstandings at work. Use specific words, visuals and questions to save time, money and trust for teams.
Continue Reading >How to Communicate More Clearly
12 March 2019
Learn four tactics for clear communication: define concepts, use affirmative language, add numbers, and use visuals to improve communication clarity fast.
Continue Reading >Improving Communication In the Workplace
5 March 2019
Discover how constructive feedback, workplace praise and assertive language boost manager communication skills, raise team morale and build a positive workplace
Continue Reading >Improving your Communication Skills
18 January 2019
Learn how to sharpen communication skills: structure messages, limit detail, give reasons, speak in positives and master active listening for fast results.
Continue Reading >Training to Improve your Communication Skills
27 November 2018
Learn nine simple steps to improve communication skills: clear speech, active listening, confident voice, smart body language and polite style. Build trust now.
Continue Reading >How to Improve the Way you Speak
9 November 2018
Discover 10 steps to improve the way you speak, expand vocabulary, enunciate words and sound confident. Boost your career with better communication skills.
Continue Reading >What are Good Communication Skills?
30 October 2018
Learn good communication skills fast: define unclear words, match audience knowledge and trim data overload. Boost clarity and test yourself in our quick quiz.
Continue Reading >Six Essential Business Communication Skills
5 October 2018
Learn six essential business communication skills to create rapport, ask better questions, close the deal and nurture lasting customer relationships today.
Continue Reading >What is a Good Communication Style?
24 August 2018
Learn how a good communication style - relaxed, clear, credible, persuasive and positive - wins trust and action. Apply simple tips to improve every talk.
Continue Reading >How to be a Better Communicator
20 July 2018
Learn four steps to be a better communicator: focus on clear goals, use specific language, give logical reasons and stay polite to boost cooperation today.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills In Business
5 June 2018
Learn why feedback in business boosts performance and how to give constructive criticism, avoid destructive remarks and use praise to inspire engaged teams.
Continue Reading >Four Steps to Improve your Communication Skills
22 May 2018
Want to improve communication skills? Learn four habits: focus on positives, use clear specific language, back ideas with logic, and stay polite in every talk.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills: Clear, Rational and Positive
15 May 2018
Learn clear communication skills that blend rational logic and positive language. Use upbeat tone and strong body language to boost understanding and results.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills for Sales People
23 February 2018
Boost revenue by sharpening communication skills. Learn need analysis, objection handling, negotiation and closing techniques in our training guide. Act today.
Continue Reading >How to Give Feedback
12 February 2018
Learn how to give feedback that lands: simple steps for clear, timely, constructive feedback that softens negative points, boosts praise and lifts team results.
Continue Reading >Tips to Improve your Communication Technique
30 January 2018
Boost your communication skills with six quick tips on clear language, confident voice tone, body language, structured writing, active listening and smart 190
Continue Reading >Top Tips to Effective Communication
5 December 2017
Boost your career with top tips for effective communication. Learn to use clear words, a confident voice tone and positive body language in every talk at work.
Continue Reading >Communication: Negotiation Skills
7 November 2017
Learn practical negotiation skills that create win-win agreements, boost confidence and secure better business outcomes. Join our in-house training course today
Continue Reading >How to be a Good Conversationalist
16 May 2017
Learn how to be a good conversationalist with easy tips on positive conversation, honest praise and motivating talk that builds rapport and avoids negativity.
Continue Reading >Make a Good First Impression
10 March 2017
Learn how eye contact, a warm smile, firm handshake and upbeat talk help you make a good first impression. Follow 10 clear steps and quiz yourself today.
Continue Reading >Define your Key Terms
21 February 2017
Define key terms to end vague talk, sharpen clear communication and set clarity you can measure. Use four questions to turn vague hopes into testable plans.
Continue Reading >The Importance of Communication Skills
10 February 2017
Learn three proven steps to sharpen communication skills: speak with clarity, support each point with fact, and make it matter to listeners so they act.
Continue Reading >Better Work Relationships
24 January 2017
Discover practical work relationship tips to align needs, balance give and take, and communicate clearly, creating fair bonds that boost results and morale.
Continue Reading >Gain Their Understanding and Agreement
8 November 2016
Learn three communication skills that drive results: state one clear message, prove it with facts and logic, and motivate action by showing gain or pain.
Continue Reading >Notes on Winning by Arnold Schwarzenegger
8 August 2016
Discover Arnold Schwarzenegger advice on the Stay Hungry mindset. Learn simple steps to set clear goals, work hard, ignore naysayers and expect to win every day
Continue Reading >Muhammad Ali: the Greatest Speaker In the World.
7 June 2016
Discover how Muhammad Ali’s public speaking fused rhyme, self-belief and storytelling to win fights, sell tickets and inspire future leaders in sport and beyond
Continue Reading >How to Ask the Right Questions - Good Communication Skills
31 May 2016
Learn how to ask the right questions with an easy two-set method that sharpens communication skills, builds trust and helps teams solve problems 28% faster.
Continue Reading >Success Through Communication
3 May 2016
Develop clear communication skills to share facts, feelings and vision. Use words, tone and body language to lift teamwork, cut errors and speed up success.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills: Clear Thinking
22 April 2016
Boost clear thinking by learning to tell apart a wish and a goal, fact and opinion, reason and excuse. Use contrasts to hone critical thinking skills daily.
Continue Reading >Why We Love Logic
5 April 2016
Learn why logic is vital for clear thought, smart choice and goal success. Master logical reasoning to cut errors, boost career growth and shape a better future
Continue Reading >How to Take Constructive Criticism
15 March 2016
Learn how to take constructive criticism calmly, test its truth and act fast. Step-by-step guide turns accepting feedback into self-improvement at work.
Continue Reading >Twelve Ways to Improve your Communication Skills
22 January 2016
Learn 12 easy tips to sharpen communication skills: shape focused words, fit style to your audience, use confident body language and voice, and drive results.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills Training: Objective and Subjective Language
24 July 2015Learn how objective language beats subjective bias. Spot facts, cut opinion and sharpen communication skills for clear speech, strong listening and results.
Continue Reading >Eight Ways to Improve your Communication Skills
3 July 2015
Master eight ways to improve communication skills-clear speech, logical flow, body language, active listening and better memory-for stronger work and home ties.
Continue Reading >Clear Communication
5 May 2015Learn clear communication fast: choose precise words, add numbers, define terms. Cut confusion, save time and help teams work 20% faster with specific messages.
Continue Reading >How to Improve the Way I Speak
13 November 2014Learn how to speak clearly at work, avoid ambiguity and give clear instructions. Follow four practical steps to boost workplace communication and cut errors.
Continue Reading >Three Ways to Improve your Communication Skills
19 April 2014Learn three simple rules to sharpen communication skills: use exact words, back ideas with logic, show personal benefit. Avoid mix-ups and gain cooperation.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills: Two Opposites
27 January 2014
Learn clear communication by spotting ambiguity and choosing contradictory, not contrary, opposites. Reduce polarised thinking and avoid misunderstandings.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills Training (Advanced)
20 January 2014Learn to tell true, false, possible and arbitrary statements apart. Master evidence based communication and make quicker, safer choices at work and home.
Continue Reading >A Course on Clear, Confident Communication
8 January 2014Master clear communication with five proven principles. Use numbers, define terms and speak affirmative to cut costly errors and win support at work daily.
Continue Reading >How can I Make My Communications Skills Better?
16 September 2013Improve communication skills in nine steps: stay focused, be specific, use numbers, ask smart questions and add engaging voice and body language to win trust.
Continue Reading >How to Improve your Communication Skills
31 August 2013Learn four clear rules and simple voice and body language tips to boost your communication skills, cut confusion and speak with calm confidence in any talk.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills for Managers and Leaders
27 February 2013
Learn six essential communication skills for managers that set clear goals, delegate, give feedback, praise and drive change, boosting team output and loyalty.
Continue Reading >Communication Skills - Accurate Language
24 April 2012Master accurate language at work with five clear steps: use specific words, numbers and defined terms, speak positive, state conclusions and cut costly errors.
Continue Reading >Management Training and Advanced Communication Skills
4 March 2012Discover how management training that targets behaviour, not identity, turns criticism into coaching. Use clear feedback to cut resistance and boost performance
Continue Reading >How to Communicate Effectively
25 November 2011Learn five proven steps for effective communication. Pace messages, cut clutter, mix logic with emotion and show patience to gain cooperation at work and beyond
Continue Reading >Communication Skills for Trainers Or Presenters
10 November 2011Learn training skills that make each session informative, enjoyable and memorable. Structure content, blend explain-show-practise steps and add memory aids.
Continue Reading >Good Communication
25 October 2011Discover how clear communication at work saves time: use precise numbers, explain each reason, and pair calm body language and voice with steady self-control.
Continue Reading >Advanced Communications Skills
17 May 2011Learn how precise word choice boosts communication skills, builds trust, and avoids costly mistakes. Use positive language to create images in every mind.
Continue Reading >Communication Methods
31 March 2011Learn why communication skills training hinges on objective language. Drop emotive red-rag words, listen well and win cooperation, time and staff engagement.
Continue Reading >Blog Categories
Accelerated Learning (6)
Accelerated learning techniques are special methods of organising information, so that you can more rapidly memorise and more accurately recall it on demand. Accelerated learning also includes mind mapping and creative thinking techniques.
Assertiveness (5)
Assertiveness is a both a communication style and a mind-set which, when combined, allows a people to express their meaning using just the amount of forcefulness, in relation to their body language, voice tone and spoken language.
Change Management (16)
Change management training is how to use the fact of continuous change, to work FOR you, rather than against you. It is a fact that all improvement implies change, but many people hate change. Change management is about training people to love change as a means of making the future better.
Coaching, Mentoring and Developing Staff (10)
There is a pressing need to develop the next generation of leaders, managers and technical experts. One way to develop staff is through coaching and mentoring. To be an effective coach and mentor is not an easy skill to master. These blogs discuss the skills of coaching, mentoring and staff development.
Communication - Clear Communication (82)
One to the most important facets of communication is clarity. Whenever you write or speak, your words should denote only one possible meaning. If your words can be properly interpreted in multiple ways, then you are creating the conditions for confusion, error and misunderstanding. These blogs discuss the nature of clear communication.
Communication - Listening Skills (6)
Communication includes the ability to attend to, understand and memorise what people say to you. Effective Listening is an active, not a passive process. These bloggs discuss what it takes to be a good listener.
Communication - Nonverbal Communication (8)
Communication includes a large visual component. How you appear, as you speak, makes a big difference to how your message is received. These blogs are about how to best use your body language. (Eye contact, posture, dress, hand and arm gestures, etc.)
Communication - Persuasive Communication (41)
Persuasion is the art of convincing others that your ideas are good, right, fair and practical, and in addition, persuasion includes motivating people to put your ideas into action. Persuasion is a key communication skill that everyone should study. These blogs discuss how to be more persuasive.
Communication - Written Communication (5)
A part of your communication is in the written form. Writing well is a skill that most people do not study, though it is of immense importance. These blogs discuss how you might improve your written communication.
Conflict Management and Handling Difficult People (28)
Conflict is inevitable, and when it occurs, you need to resolve it quickly and efficiently. Conflict management (and handling difficult people) is about managing your communication and your emotions, so that you arrive at a negotiated solution as quickly as possible. This series of blogs discusses the various ways you can best manage conflict.
Decision Making and Problem Solving (22)
Decision making is the skill of selecting the best option from many options. And problem solving is the skill at determining the causes and implications of a problem and finding efficient remedies. This series of blogs discusses the elements of effective decision making and problem solving.
Goal Setting (9)
Success is the achievement of a worthwhile goal. And therefore, the first step to achieving a goal is to set it. Goal setting is the starting point of all achievement and is one of the most important topics you could study. This series of blogs discuss the elements of goal setting.
Leadership and Management (152)
Leadership is the art of setting a clear goal and inspiring others to achieve it. Management is the art of organising resources so as to most efficiently achieve that goal. This series of blogs discuss the details of leadership and management.
Mental Health (12)
Mental health is the skill of managing your own mind so as to achieve mental stability and a high degree of rationality. Mental ill health is the opposite, mental instability and irrational actions. This series of blogs, discusses how you might manage your mind.
Motivation (35)
Motivation is an emotion that induces action. Without motivation, nobody would achieve anything of value. This series of blogs discusses the various ways you can motivate yourself and others.
Other (45)
Whilst interesting and informative in their own right, these blogs don't fit into a category.
People Management (13)
People management is a combination of skills including goal setting, communication, planning, handling conflict and motivation skills. This series of blogs discusses people management skills.
Personal Development (75)
The best investment you can make is in your own personal development. If you develop your skills, knowledge and experience, then you will maximise your potential to produce excellent results. This series of blogs looks at the details of personal development.
Personal Effectiveness (87)
You are not paid for how hard you work; you are paid for your effectiveness. It is possible to improve your effectiveness and get more valuable work done in less time and effort. This series of blogs discusses how you might improve your personal effectiveness and therefore speed up your rate of progress.
Positive Thinking (9)
The quality of your results is based upon the quality of your actions. And your actions are controlled by your thoughts. To simultaneously improve both your material results and your mental health, it is vital to develop the skills of positive thinking.
Stress Management (4)
Stress can be both good for you and bad for you. Good Stress triggers improvement. Bad stress grinds you down. Stress management is about using stress to help you to improve, and to avoid the negative effects of too much stress. These blogs discuss the various aspects of stress management.
Supervisory Management Skills (4)
Supervisory management skills are a combination of five major skill sets, setting goals, communication skills, planning, performance management and motivation. These blogs discuss the details of supervisory management skills.
Team Leadership (7)
For the most part, we all work in teams. Leading the team effectively can make all the difference to the performance of the team, as a whole. This series of blogs discuss the details of team leadership.
Teamwork (19)
Teams are often composed of people who have very different personalities and skills. In order to perform well, the members of the team must work well together and play to each other’s strengths. This series of blogs covers the importance of team work skills.
Time Management (17)
Time management is about prioritising, planning, organising and delegating, so that, at any moment, you are always adding the most value, and setting the conditions for your future success. This series of blogs investigates how you might better manage your time.