Communication Skills: Clear Thinking

Important: GDPR Email Preferences

As you may already know, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into effect on 25th May 2018. We take your privacy seriously and we are working hard to ensure we comply with the new data protection laws. You can find out more about how we're doing this in our privacy policy on our website.

We want to make sure you continue to receive the latest newsletters, blogs, special offers and more.

As someone who has opted-in to receive our emails in the past, we’d like to give you this opportunity to confirm what you wish to receive:

Just so you know, if you don’t let us know what kinds of emails you want to receive from us, we’ll stop emailing you on the 24th May 2018 - you'll be missing out!

You are of course free to change your mind at any time – just follow the link at the bottom of any of our emails.

How could you improve your ability to think clearly?

One of the best ways to improve the clarity of your thinking is to get into the habit of differentiating between pairs of similar but opposing concepts.

For instance, what is the difference between the following pairs of words?

1. "A wish" and "a goal"?
2. "A Reason" and "an excuse", for not doing something.
3. "A fact" and "an opinion"?
4. "An incorrect statement" and "a lie?"
5. "A leader" and "a manager".
6. "A criticism" and "an insult".
7. Between being "Stubborn" and being "determined".
8. "Being successful" and "being rich"

Here is my attempt at making the distinctions.

1. "A wish" and "a goal"?

A wish is an idle fantasy or a desire.

A goal is a definite statement of intent.

It is better to spend time attempting to achieve worthwhile goals; rather than spend your time just wishing that things will change.

2. "A Reason" and "an excuse", for not doing something

A reason is a logical explanation as to why something cannot or should not be done.

An excuse is an emotional explanation as to why it should not be done.

Distinguish between reasons and excuses and have a different policy for each.

3. "A fact" and "an opinion"?

A fact is a statement that can be verified by direct sense - perception or logic. Example: there are three people in this room.

An opinion is a statement that cannot be verified by direct perception or logic. Example: There are three super, good-looking people in this room.

It is important not to mistake your opinions for facts.

4. "An incorrect statement", and "a lie?"

An incorrect statement is one that does not correspond to the facts.

A lie is a statement that is intended to deceive.

It is important to remember that people who tell you things that are not true, are not necessarily lying. How to tell if someone is lying.

5. "A leader" and "a manager"

A leader is a member of a team who is primarily responsible for setting and communicating a goal and inspiring others to act to achieve it.

A manager is a member of a team who is primarily responsible for organising people and resources in a manner that will most effectively achieve a goal.

Some people can be good managers but lack leadership skills, and vice versa.

Strive to be both a great leader and a great manager.

6. "A criticism" and "an insult"

A criticism is a statement that indicates negative feedback on an action or an omission.

An insult is a derogatory statement about the character of another.

In business, we have to become good at both giving and taking criticism, not insults.

7. Between being "stubborn" and being "determined"

Stubbornness is a negative character trait based on the unwillingness to make changes in spite of the fact that the action is not working.

Determination is a positive character trait based on total commitment to a goal.

Don't mistake the negative attribute of plain stubbornness for the positive quality of determination.

Be determined. Not stubborn.

8. "Being successful" and "being rich"

Being rich is the ability to gain financial wealth. (Which can be done in many ways, some of which violate the rights of others.)

Being successful is the ability to achieve all your goals, in the minimum time and effort, without violating the rights of anyone else.

Be a successful person. Achieve your goals with the minimum expenditure of time money and effort, without violating the rights of others.

Develop a clear mind

There are thousands of pairs of concepts that are similar, but different.

The clear mind is one that is able to discern the difference between similar-but-different things.

Discern the difference between:

• A cat and a tiger.
• A good person and an attractive person.
• Being lucky and being well prepared.

I'll leave you to figure out some more good pairs of similar, but different concepts, and to go on and distinguish between the two.

The more you do, the better you get!

Communication Skills Training

Communication Skills Training

Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.

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.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• Communication Mistakes
  We are all aware of the importance of good communication in business, between colleagues as well as with clients. Take a look as these common communication mistakes and see if you need to correct any that you make.
  Read Article >
• Clear Communication
  Clear Communication How would you rate yourself as a clear communicator? Do people always understand your message? Or when you speak, do you suffer the problem of other people NOT properly understanding your exact meaning? You need to develop the skill of clear communication It is important that you do, because...
  Read Article >
• Mastering the Art of Conversing Knowledgeably on Unfamiliar Topics
  Learn to discuss unfamiliar topics adeptly with a five-step approach, avoiding uninformed statements while engaging in knowledgeable conversations.
  Read Article >
• Think Before You Speak
  Did you see the upset that Donald Trump caused last week with his ill-thought-out words about COVID-19, in front of the world's media? This is a great example of why you should always think before you speak.
  Read Article >
• How to Communicate Effectively
  How to Communicate Effectively In order to do well, you will need the cooperation of others. You will need to gain the cooperation of many people, including: Your partner Your bank Your customers Your suppliers Your colleagues at work Failure to gain their cooperation will mean either: They won't help you...
  Read Article >

Looking for Communication Skills Training?

If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 3 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >