Do you know what the definition of clarity is? As defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, it is “the quality or state of being clear.” Do you find it ironic that the definition for clarity does not provide a straight answer? Clarity is becoming obsolete in our society, along with the use of proper English. Here is a good example. “Did u get the msg i snt 2 u elr?” has become the new way to converse for teens and adults alike.
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time deciphering the true message from a sea of shortened words and acronyms. Clarity seems to be lacking in our world. Why? We all want to do things faster, quicker and in a hurry. We are drowning; buried, slammed, swamped...well you get the idea. Unfortunately we cannot afford to lose our ability to communicate clearly. Communication is what gets us what we want in the world: jobs, food, relationships and lifestyles. If you can’t communicate, then you will not be effective in life.
Clarity is what gives a string of letters and words a meaning. When you speak to others, whether online of offline, it is vital that the tone you wish to convey is the one that others hear. For instance, when you need a project done in a prompt manner it is ineffective to use words such as you need it “ASAP” or “soon.” These words do not convey a tone of immediacy. In fact, they mean nothing. ASAP or soon is quite subjective. Instead, try “I need it now” or “I need this by 5 pm today.” When you communicate you must be sure your words do not give off the message that you are angry or upset. (Unless you actually are!) Clarity is what will keep your clients coming back to you for their needs and will make your communications more effective. It is frustrating to speak to someone and have no clue what they said. Humans are inherently social, but our lack of clarity is hampering many businesses.
Do not contribute to this clarity issue. Instead, I challenge you to think of what you want to say before you say it, and ask yourself these questions: What am I trying to say? How am I trying to say it? How would I feel if someone said this to me?
Adhering to this will improve every aspect of your life and give you a huge edge in business.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Ryan T. Sauers has spent nearly 30 years running, leading or consulting with printing, graphics, promotional and visual communications-related organizations. Sauers is CEO of two companies, Sauers Consulting Strategies LLC and End Resultz Inc. that among other things, owns magazines and is a media firm. Key areas of focus of the firms include sales training, marketing strategy, personal branding, leadership development and organizational change.
Sauers is a frequent national speaker and columnist. He has been recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs globally and achieved the top designation of Certified Marketing Executive through Sales and Marketing Executives International.
Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and communication courses to current and aspiring leaders. He is a Certified Myers Briggs, DiSC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (one of few in the U.S. to achieve all three rigorous certifications related to human communications, personality and behavior).
Sauers has completed his doctoral-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and is now (ABD - All But Dissertation) working on his dissertation on why some entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve initial and long-term success, whereas countless others do not.
Sauers is the host of the Marketing Matters radio show in Atlanta that later becomes a global podcast. He also is the host of the Community Connections TV show that comes out in video and podcast form. Sauers is the author of the best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales, and Would You Buy from You? More info at RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049 or email Ryan@RyanSauers.com