How to Communicate More Clearly
How to Communicate More Clearly
Here are four ways to improve the clarity of your communication:
- Define all your key concepts.
- State your message in affirmative terms.
- Use numbers whenever possible.
- Use diagrams, images and visual aids.
Break language into two types: Vague and specific.
You should be specific in your language, not vague.
1. Define all your key concepts.
You need to specify the exact meaning of any vague, ambiguous or abstract terms.
There are many ill-defined terms such as, "appropriate size" or "Tasteful colours".
Anything that can be misunderstood, will be misunderstood.
Therefore, you must work to clarify the exact meaning of any ambiguous term, by providing a clear definition.
Clarity is a virtue, vagueness is a vice.
2. State your meaning in affirmative terms.
Write down what you do want, as opposed to what you don't want.
State your messages in affirmative statements.
Rather than say, "I don't want a small one", say, "I want one that is between X and Y metres".
Rather than say, "I don't what to go to Paris", say "I prefer to go to London".
Saying what you don't want does not clarify what you do want.
3. Use numbers whenever possible.
Using numbers is the best and easiest way to improve the clarity of your language. Why?
Because numbers denote more exact times, exact measures, exact proportions, they make your message more objective and less prone to misunderstanding.
Whenever possible, specify your meaning by using numbers.
4. If possible, use a visual image, diagram or drawing.
You have heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If you cannot find the words, then consider using a diagram or a photograph or drawing.
Do whatever it takes to gain clarity.
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
-
Improving Communication in the Workplace
Managers are the key to successful communication and motivation in the workplace. They must ensure they give proper praise and appreciation, when due. And,if criticism is necessary, then it is vital that this is delivered in a constructive manner.
Read Article > -
The NLP Meta Model - Clear Thinking, Clear Communication
Learn how the NLP Meta Model enhances communication by addressing Deletions, Distortions, and Generalisations. Discover practical tips for asking better questions and improving clarity in conversations.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills Training: Objective and Subjective Language
Objective and Subjective Language It is important to distinguish between two kinds of language: Objective language and subjective language. Every day you experience your "personal experience". You have to experience YOUR experience of an event. But isn't it true that YOUR experience of an event, may be very different to the...
Read Article > -
How to be an Effective Communicator
Effective communication ensures clear understanding. Misunderstandings, confusion, and errors arise when we fail to convey our message accurately. We look at the ways to make ourselves more clearly understood.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills in Business
Being able to give proper feedback relies on the ability to communicate effectively. Any criticism must be delivered in a constructive way, in order to give the receiver confidence and inspire them to improve.
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 5 days, Online - Teams, places available