The Power of Clarity in Communication

I have something to share with you, and I think you already know this: your lack of clarity in communication is wasting your time.

Just last week, my team and I were working on a project with stakeholders. On Monday, we needed critical information from them to move forward, so we asked for it "ASAP." Monday came and went and nothing arrived.

On Tuesday, we followed up: "We need this ASAP!" Still, nothing. By Wednesday, we were desperate and said, "We needed this yesterday!" But despite our urgency, there was no action.

The problem? "ASAP" means different things to different people. Our version of ASAP meant within the hour; their version may have meant "when I have time." And that’s where the real issue lies. Clarity is the key to effective communication.

Why Clarity Matters

Lack of clarity creates confusion, delays, and inefficiencies. In every interaction, whether a presentation, a meeting, or a simple request, being crystal clear will save time, reduce stress, and improve productivity.

Here are three areas where clarity can transform your day-to-day communication:

1. Presentations

When delivering a presentation, you need one clear, compelling through line. A singular, focused message that your audience can grasp and remember.

A strong through line consists of two parts: the "what" and the "why."

What: "When you make more calls..."

Why: "...you increase sales."

Another example:

What: "Using data effectively."

Why: "Protects your business from failure."

Clarity makes your presentation more engaging and ensures your message sticks with your audience.

2. Meetings

How often have you left a meeting wondering what was decided? Too many meetings lack direction and focus. Before any meeting, ask yourself:

What do I want to achieve?

What do I want attendees to remember?

Who is my audience, and what context do they need?

Starting a meeting with "Today, we need to decide X," and closing with "Here’s what we’ve decided and our next steps," ensures that meetings are productive and action-driven.

3. Daily Requests

Let’s go back to the "ASAP" scenario. Once we stopped saying "ASAP" and instead provided a clear deadline, things changed.

Instead of:

"We need this ASAP."

Try:

"We need this by 5 PM Thursday. If that’s not possible, let us know when you can deliver it."

This small shift led to immediate action, better planning, and less frustration for everyone involved.

Take Action: Bring Clarity Into Your Communication

Clarity makes everything easier. It eliminates misunderstandings, speeds up decision-making, and ensures your message is received as intended. This week, try implementing these simple strategies:

Define the "what" and "why" in presentations.

Set clear objectives and outcomes for meetings.

Be specific when making requests. Use deadlines instead of vague phrases.

When you prioritise clarity, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your communication effectiveness. Things move faster, teams align more easily, and you get the results you need.