The Power of Clear Communication

The Power of Clear Communication

We talk all the time—at work, at home, with friends. But how clear is our communication, really? Misunderstandings happen more than we think, and the consequences can be...well, let’s just say they’re not always fun. Let me tell you a story.

Hello, dear readers! ??

Thank you! I’m truly grateful that you’ve subscribed to this newsletter. Together, we’re about to unlock the power of effective communication—one laugh, one lesson at a time!

So, let’s start this journey with a little story about the power of clear communication.

Now, in today’s world of AI and ChatGPT, where everything is a prompt away, you might wonder, "Do I still need to worry about communication?" Oh yes, my friend, you do!

Because no matter how smart technology gets, it can’t replace the conversations you have with your manager, colleagues or clients. Those still require some good old-fashioned human skills. And what you say—or don’t say—still defines how you’re perceived. Scary, isn’t it?

So, let’s dive in with a scenario I’m sure many of us have faced at some point in our careers.

Picture this:

Your team is gearing up for a big campaign. Everyone’s excited, spirits are high, and success is within reach. But just as the project gets rolling, things start to go…well, a little wobbly. There’s confusion, disagreements, and before you know it, the enthusiasm starts fading faster than my Wi-Fi during an important Zoom call. The client is frustrated, the team is stressed, and that shiny vision of success…It’s starting to look more like a mirage!!?

What Went Wrong?        

Communication—or rather, the lack of it.

?In the rush to get things moving, the team skipped a vital step: Clarity. Instead, they tossed around big words like “expand our reach” and “be creative,” but no one bothered to define what those words actually meant for that project. Everyone had their own idea of what "expanding reach" or "being creative" looked like, and guess what? None of those ideas matched up. The result? Chaos.?

This also reminds me of a story:

There was a village where everyone decided to fill a large pot with milk. Each person thought, “Everyone else will pour milk, so if I pour water, no one will notice.” At the end of the day, the pot was full, but when they opened it, they found it was filled with water, not milk.

This is what happens when communication isn’t clear. Everyone starts working on their own assumptions, and in the end, you’re left with a pot of water instead of the result you were expecting.

So, what can we learn from this?        

  1. Don’t Assume—Clarify: Assumptions are like pouring water into the milk pot. We all think we’re on the same page, but often we’re reading different books. Take the time to clarify. Ask questions. Make sure everyone’s aligned before you start.
  2. Be Specific: Vague language is like saying, "Just take the next turn" when someone’s driving in an unfamiliar city. Be specific. If you want to get something done, explain exactly what you need and when you need it. Directions matter—whether it’s on the road or at your workplace.
  3. Check for Understanding: After delivering your message, don’t just assume it’s understood. Ask, “Does this make sense?” It’s like checking the map before starting a journey. It also involves the other person into your plan. Make sure everyone knows the direction before riding for a big destination.

Clear communication prevents confusion, reduces stress, and builds trust. And let’s be honest, trust is the foundation of any strongrelationship—at work, at home, and yes, even with your Wi-Fi provider. ??

Remember, “Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.” If we aren’t careful, the price can be misunderstandings, lost time, and strained relationships. But when we communicate clearly—clarifying, specifying, and checking for understanding—we build bridges, foster collaboration and move toward success.

Here’s a simple practice to start with:         

The next time you’re about to communicate something important, pause and ask yourself, “Have I made this clear? Does everyone involved know exactly what’s expected?” It’s a small habit that can make a big difference.

Thank you, this is all I have for this weekend. Now, let’s turn the spotlight on you! Have you ever experienced a time when communication—or the lack of it—made or broke a situation? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. Or feel free to slide into my DMs with your thoughts. I promise, no AI involved—just real human conversation.


P.S.: Next week, we’re diving into the art of listening. After all, communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how well we listen.

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ARCHANA PRIYA

Compliance Executive | Securities Regulation, Financial Reporting

3 个月

Your perspective is refreshing

Preeti Sharma

Communications Professional | Podcaster | Storyteller | Ex-DSM, EXL Services, Times Group, Snapdeal, HindustanTimes, NDTV

3 个月

Very helpful! Clarity and conciseness of the message are must for it to be consumed well. Great learning.

Swaraj Kumar Acharjee

Lead Learning & Development | Instructional Designer | Certified PoSH Trainer | Certified KRA/KPI Developer | QPR Gatekeeper

3 个月

Insightful

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