How to Communicate More Clearly

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 to Communicate More Clearly

Here are four ways to improve the clarity of your communication:

1. Define all your key concepts.
2. State your message in affirmative terms.
3. Use numbers whenever possible.
4. 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

• Presentation Skills for Nervous People
  Many people find making presentations nerve-wracking. But there is a success formula for making effective presentations, which can help even the most nervous speaker. Find out how you can be more confident and take advantage of FREE training today.
  Read Article >
• Communication: Negotiation Skills
  Every organisation has to trade successfully with others and being able to negotiate skillfully is vital to your success. Negotiation skills training will enable your team to agree the best possible outcome from any negotiation situation.
  Read Article >
• Communication skills for trainers or presenters
  Communication skills for trainers or presenters As a trainer or presenter: You have three major goals. To make your messages and material: 1. Informative 2. Enjoyable 3. Memorable Let us look at each in turn: Informative Your delegate must find your material informative. In order for that to happen, you must...
  Read Article >
• How to Politely Say 'No' to Your Boss
  Learning to say 'no' is an important skill that many people find hard to do. This can cause stress and anxiety and failure to do their jobs effectively. Learn how and when to say 'no' to your boss.
  Read Article >
• Communication skills - Accurate language
  Communication skills - Accurate language Many people have trouble expressing themselves. They say: "I know what I mean but I can't explain it!" But you need to be able to express yourself with both clarity and accuracy. Here is a rule that will help you to get better results. Clarity is...
  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, Leeds City, places available Book Now >