3 Ways to eliminate unclear communication

Do you get blank stares after you’ve tried to explain something? You’re probably frustrated with yourself, trying to figure out what in the world you’re doing wrong. But you’re trapped in an endless cycle of miscommunication that prevents you from being understood. The more you try, the more you fail. That’s just plain frustrating. Know that you aren't alone. Many of my clients suffer from unclear and muddled communication.

Here are three ways to eliminate your unclear and muddled communication:

Tip 1: Stop using clauses.

Yes, I’m going to talk about grammar. Independent and dependent clauses get in the way of clarity. Sometimes we call this going down rabbit holes or getting off track. If you do this, you’re using far too many clauses. If you need a refresher on independent and dependent clauses, read more here.

Dependent clauses are far worse because these are the incomplete thoughts that get in the way of understanding. The listener doesn't know what is and isn't important, so they will treat everything with equal importance until they stop listening completely.

Imagine looking at Mt. Everest and describing it only using words. Your description may be focused on the majesty of the mountain or something else. What are you not talking about? The trees and shrubs that are behind you. Clauses are the trees and shrubs because they get in the way of people understanding your point.

Tip 2: Stop speaking chronologically.

People don’t need to know all the background going through your mind. If they ask you a question about why your product is better than another, they don’t want or need a history lesson about why you made the thing the way you did.

Thinking chronologically buries your main point by thinking that they need to know everything that you do. Enter the conversation at the point of their question. If they have further questions, they’ll ask. Too much background kills a conversation and muddles communication.

Tip 3: Use a simple sentence structure.

In communication, simplicity is the pinnacle of elegance because your audience can understand quickly and easily. You do not want people searching for what you mean. You need to make that meaning clear at the beginning of your sentence.

People who have difficulty being understood often have poor word placement. How? They put the point of the sentence at the end. That’s backwards. The point of the sentence should be at the beginning.

Start by using a simple sentence structure: Subject, verb, object.

Two examples: I am going to the store. This product increases efficiency because _____.

Notice the sentence structure places the action at the beginning of the sentence. If you don’t structure your sentences this way, you are making the listener do far too much work. They shouldn’t have to decode what you’re saying. Each sentence is a building. Start with the foundation at the beginning, then build up and out.

These are three simple fixes that will lead to clearer communication. If knowing is half the battle, practicing is the other half. I’ve worked with countless professionals who were frustrated with their inability to create clear communication.

It’s an easy fix if you have the right coach. Contact me for a free 20 minute consultation to understand how I can help you communicate clearly and effectively.