The Most Important Question
The Most Important Question
There is a question that everyone should be prepared to ask.
It is, "When you say that, what do you MEAN, specifically?"
If you say, "I believe in a fair wage, for everyone", then the people should reply, "What do you mean by a "fair wage?"
If you write, "Sam, when you come to the meeting, please ensure you bring with you all the relevant papers".
Then Sam is bound to wonder, "When he says, relevant papers, what does he mean, specifically?"
Stand ready to answer the question, or better still, pre-empt the question, by supplying the additional detail that will remedy any confusion or ambiguity.
Go through your message and identify any words or phrases that have the potential to be misunderstood or mis-represented and then either, reword your message, or elaborate upon your exact meaning.
Failure to properly explain your exact meaning will lead to painful consequences.
If you fail to explain your ideas properly you run the risk of:
- Being misunderstood.
- Being misrepresented.
- Losing your credibility as a knowledgeable person.
- Losing your power to persuade people.
Be ready to ASK the same question.
"When you say that, what do you mean specifically".
When listening to others, don't guess at their meaning.
Don't assume they mean what you think they mean.
If you are not sure about the exact meaning, then ask them to elucidate!
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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
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Training to Improve Your Communication Skills
People do make judgements of you, based on your appearance and what you say. In order to give the right impression, try some new ways to improve your communication skills. You will improve your confidence and gain respect in the process.
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How to Start a Presentation
The start of your presentation sets the terms for the rest of the performance. If you start well, then you will probably succeed. Here are some useful tips for getting your presentation off to a good start.
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How Language Causes Confusion
Ambiguity in business can be damaging both for your reputation and your finances. To avoid potential confusion when communicating with colleagues and customers, take a look at these five ways where ambiguous language should be avoided.
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How to Develop Self-Confidence
Discover practical ways to boost your self-confidence by transforming your self-image. Learn the RAPID method to develop rational, active, purposeful, independent, and disciplined thinking for lasting self-assurance.
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Muhammad Ali: The Greatest Speaker in the World.
Muhammad Ali was gifted. Gifted as a sportsman, as a speaker, as a writer, as a poet and as a politician.
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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 13 days, London - Central, places available