GNT #038: 4 rules to express your thoughts so everyone understands

read time: 2 minutes
 

Have you ever been met with blank stares after expressing a thought?

It's frustrating and scary isn't it?

That feeling of disconnect is more than just a fleeting annoyance. It’s a sign that your message got lost in translation.

Whether it’s the jargon-filled emails that remain unanswered or the brilliant idea in a meeting that gets overlooked, miscommunication comes at a cost.

It affects your influence, your relationships, and even your feelings of self-worth.

In your professional and personal life, you encounter people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The ability to convey your thoughts clearly to all isn't just about being heard—it directly leads to better relationships, collaborations, and a feeling of shared purpose.

Today, let's look at 4 actionable rules to ensure your thoughts are not just heard, but understood. 

1. Keep it simple

Check your words (and ego):

Before you speak or write, consider your audience. Tailor your vocabulary for the recipient of your message. Oftentimes, less is more. And yes, that ego sometimes nudges us towards complexity when simplicity would do. Tools like Grammarly can gauge if your words are easily digestible.

Practice the elevator pitch:

Try to distill your main point. Remove fluff and focus on your core message.

Limit main points:

Don't hoard all the reasons. Instead of overwhelming with ten arguments, focus on your top three to ensure they hit home.

2. Keep it concise

 If you had a limited number of words, could you get your point across?

Utilize the "Tweet Test":

Try to encapsulate your primary message in the length of a tweet (280 characters)? While not always feasible, it's a fun way to hone brevity!

3. Use examples

Use analogies:

Analogies are a powerful way to link an unfamiliar idea to a known concept. For instance, explaining a complex system as "the gears in a watch" instantly provides a visual aid. I like to use the "flywheel" analogy when explaining a content system. It takes some effort up front, but once you get it going it's much easier to maintain.

Storytelling:

Real-life stories or hypothetical scenarios paint a vivid picture, making abstract principles tangible. We as humans are naturally drawn to stories—they resonate and are memorable.

4. Embrace feedback

Active listening:

After sharing or explaining, take a pause. If someone makes a comment or asks a question, fully listen and focus without immediately formulating a response.

Feedback loops:

Post-discussions, ask: “What stood out in our talk?” If you see a trend or gap in understanding, can you adapt your message to fill those voids?

TL;DR - The art of being understood

1. Simplify
2. Condense
3. Illustrate
4. Listen

When you communicate with the intention of being understood, you ensure your thoughts are well-received AND cultivate a discussion that values open communication.

The result?

Stronger connections, more collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

This week's insights are built upon principles from 'How to Speak, How to Listen' by Mortimer J. Adler with additional musings from me.

See you next week!

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