Writing a post everyday has helped me become a better thinker.
Writing is much harder than speaking because there needs to be a logical flow from one statement or idea to the next.
When speaking one only needs to provide enough context for the other person to piece together a narrative. Often the narrative a listener creates is inconsistent with what’s being said.
Communication is incredibly difficult and most of it happens non-verbally. I find I’m much more inclined to pay attention and retain information when the person speaking has clarity in thought.
The ability to break down and communicate a complex idea is a superpower. Although being a domain expert is an advantage, it’s not entirely necessary for efficient communication.
Clarity of thought also shows in non-verbal cues as it gives confidence to the speaker. Surprisingly, non-verbal cues like posture, hand gestures, and facial expressions are more communicative than what’s actually being said.
To communicate better:
- Have conviction in what’s being said
- Try to create a logical flow of statements before speaking
- Focus on your posture, hand gestures, and facial expressions
- Use stories when possible to evoke emotion
