Mastering Clarity: Overcoming the Trap of Vagueness in Communication

Our brains process a staggering four billion neuron impulses per second, yet we are consciously aware of only about 0.00005% of this information. This selective awareness often leads to assumptions and, when left unaddressed, can result in miscommunication. This article explores the impact of vagueness on our communication and provides insights on becoming a Champion of Clarity.

The human brain processes an astonishing four billion neuron impulses per second, but our conscious awareness is limited to a mere 0.00005% of this information. At this very moment, you're likely unaware of the sensation of your clothes on your skin, the background noises, or the object just within your peripheral vision. This selective attention is a survival mechanism, filtering out irrelevant information through deletion, distortion, and generalization, heavily influenced by our beliefs.

While this filtering process prevents information overload, it also makes us susceptible to assumptions that may not serve us well—leaving us unwitting victims of the vagueness we accept as reality.

Even more concerning is how we transmit our assumptions during communication, expecting others to share our understanding. Unfortunately, this often results in misinterpretation and unmet expectations.

Consider these vague statements and the assumptions they may carry:

"Go and increase morale in the team."
"Spend more time on customer relations."

"Make sure that they fully appreciate our efforts."

Becoming a Champion of Clarity

To become a Champion of Clarity, one must first acknowledge the prevalence of assumptions in communication, both as a speaker and a listener. A Champion of Clarity understands that the meaning of communication is the response it elicits and takes responsibility for ensuring clear understanding.

As a listener, a Champion of Clarity avoids the pitfalls of vagueness by actively seeking to understand the intention behind the words. The mantra "The meaning of your communication is the response that you get" underscores the importance of being attuned to the listener's perspective.

To enhance understanding, a Champion of Clarity employs sensory cues that provide evidence of the desired future outcome. In response to vague statements, they might inquire:

"When I have increased morale in the team, what will let you know that it has been done well?"
"What is it that will communicate our efforts in a way that should be recognized?”
"When we are spending more time on customer relations, what will you see and hear?"

In conclusion, mastering clarity in communication involves an awareness of assumptions, a commitment to understanding, and the skillful use of sensory cues to bridge gaps in interpretation. By embracing these principles, one can rise above the trap of vagueness and become a true Champion of Clarity.