Are you clear or confusing? How you communicate matters!

Have you ever found yourself over-explaining, apologising, or tiptoeing around your words just to make sure you’re not offending anyone? If so, you’re not alone. Many women have been socialised to communicate in ways that prioritise others' comfort over their own clarity and assertiveness. This often leads to communication that is more confusing than clear, and it can undermine your confidence and effectiveness.

From a young age, many women are taught to be polite, accommodating, and non-confrontational. This social conditioning can manifest in various ways, such as:

Over-explaining: Feeling the need to provide excessive details to justify your point.

Apologising unnecessarily: Using phrases like "I'm sorry, but..." to soften your statements.

Hedging: Using qualifiers like "I think" or "maybe" to avoid sounding too assertive.

Indirect language: Avoiding direct statements to prevent offending others.

While these habits are often well-intentioned, they can dilute your message and make it harder for you to be heard and respected. The good news is that you can unlearn these patterns and develop a more clear and assertive communication style.

Tips for Clear and Concise Communication

Know Your Message: Before you speak or write, take a moment to clarify what you want to say. What is your main point? What do you want your audience to understand or do as a result of your communication? Having a clear objective will help you stay focused and concise.

Be Direct: Practice stating your point directly and confidently. Instead of saying, "I think we might want to consider changing our approach," try, "We need to change our approach." Direct language is more powerful and leaves less room for misinterpretation.

Eliminate Filler Words: Words like "just," "actually," and "kind of" can weaken your message. Pay attention to these fillers and practice removing them from your speech. For example, instead of saying, "I just wanted to check if you received my email," say, "Did you receive my email?"

Use Strong Body Language: Your body language can reinforce your words. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use purposeful gestures. Avoid defensive postures like crossing your arms or slumping, which can undermine your message.

Practice Silence: Don’t be afraid of pauses. Silence can be a powerful tool to emphasise your point and give your audience time to absorb your message. It also prevents you from filling the space with unnecessary words.

Ask for Feedback: Seek feedback on your communication style from trusted colleagues or mentors. They can provide valuable insights into how you come across and where you might improve.

Prepare and Practice: Whether it’s an important meeting, a presentation, or a casual conversation, preparation can boost your confidence and clarity. Practice what you want to say, and consider different scenarios so you can adapt your message as needed.

Empowering Yourself Through Clear Communication: Clear and concise communication is not just about being understood; it’s about asserting your presence and ensuring your voice is heard. By unlearning the habits that lead to over-explaining and indirectness, you can empower yourself to communicate more effectively and confidently.

Remember, your words have power. When you communicate clearly and assertively, you enhance your own credibility and inspire others to do the same. It’s time to embrace a communication style that reflects your true strength and capability.

So, the next time you find yourself about to over-explain or apologise unnecessarily, pause and ask yourself: "Am I being clear or confusing?" Choose clarity. Choose confidence. Choose to be heard.

You can transform your communication style and empower yourself to achieve your goals. 

Your voice matters, and it’s time to make sure it’s heard - clearly!