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
-
Management training and advanced communication skills
Management training and advanced communication skills Management training is about improving the performance of oneself and others. In order to do that, you need people to develop themselves. But asking a person to engage in an act of self-development means asking them to change; and many people don't like the idea...
Read Article > -
Six Step Formula for Investigative Interviews
Managers are often required to conduct interviews to obtain information that may be needed as evidence in court. Therefore it is essential that interviews are professionally conducted.
Read Article > -
Three ways to improve your communication skills
How can you improve your communication skills? Communication is important to you because you use your communication to gain the cooperation of others. You need the cooperation of others: you need cooperation from your colleagues, your suppliers, your customers, and your family. If you cannot gain the cooperative assistance of others...
Read Article > -
How to improve the way I speak
How to improve the way I speak It is important to be able to speak and to write clearly. One of the biggest mistakes you can make, at work, is to use ambiguous language. It is especially naughty to give ambiguous instructions. An ambiguous instruction is any instruction that is so...
Read Article > -
Investigative vs Ordinary Conversations
Conducting investigations entails the skill of adeptly gathering and analysing information to unearth facts, resolve issues, and arrive at informed decisions. It's imperative for professionals to master the art of framing conversations accurately.
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 10 days, Online - Teams, places available