Communicating Clearly

Since the time we were born, we have been learning new ways to communicate. When we started it was easy simple words and gestures. In school we were taught to share bigger ideas with bigger words in more complex ways. And by the time we went to university, it was all about those $5 words (remember: therefore, ergo, etc). The bigger they were, the smarter we seemed. Unfortunately, many of our great ideas have been lost under those fancy words.

We’ve heard that content is king- but if we can’t decipher the content, perhaps we need to revisit the queen: clarity.

Here’s a great article about communicating clearly. A beautiful reminder with some helpful tips you may want to consider…

I love the simplicity of this article. A must read.

Here are the highlights:

1. Talk about ideas that matter to your audience. If they are focused money- communicate how this will impact the bottom line. If what matters most to this group is the environment- explain how your idea impacts global warming. If you speak to what their core values (what matters and they care about)- your audience will be more engaged.

2. What’s in it for me and how will this positively affect you?

3. Be clear and simple. Omit your $5 words- clarity is king.

4. Connect the dots of you new idea with an existing idea. This way they already have a general understanding of your idea and will have capacity to take in your tweak.

5. Open mind for discussion.