Communication is a vital skill in every aspect of life, whether you are giving a presentation, writing an email, or having a conversation. But communication is not just about delivering information; it is also about making sure that your message is understood and remembered by your audience.
But how do you communicate your thoughts clearly and effectively? How do you avoid confusion, misunderstanding, or boredom?
In this blog post, I will share with you three simple rules that can help you improve your communication skills, based on an article by Alan Alda in Big Think.
1. Limit Your Discussion to Three Points
Our short-term memory can only store a limited amount of information. Some research from the 1950s suggests it’s about seven items, but more recent studies indicate that it’s likely closer to three to five items. Think about how we used to memorize phone numbers. We didn’t memorize all seven digits at once; instead, we split the number into smaller chunks, such as area code and subscriber number.
The same principle applies to ideas or thoughts. Our short-term memory can only hold a certain number of topics, and once it’s at capacity, it needs to discard old information to make room for new. To help your audience follow along, Alda advises you to restrict your conversation points to a maximum of three. This enables both you and your listeners to concentrate on the topic at hand without being interrupted by extraneous information.
2. Express Complex Ideas in Three Different Ways
Alda suggests, “If there’s something I think is not going to be that easy to understand, I try to say it in three different ways. Coming at it from different angles gives you a better chance of getting a three-dimensional view of this difficult idea.”
One method to implement this strategy is through the use of metaphor. It’s been observed that highly effective teachers across various disciplines often employ metaphors to explain key concepts or complex ideas. This approach works by building on existing neural patterns formed from past learning, thus facilitating the creation of new neural networks for integrating the new information. For instance, a physics teacher might explain the concept of the expanding universe by comparing it to a loaf of raisin bread rising in the oven. This metaphor helps students connect an abstract, astronomical concept with a familiar earthly experience.
3. Repeat Key Points Three Times
Repetition is a potent tool in communication as it assists in identifying crucial information and transitioning it from short-term to long-term memory. Spaced repetition—revisiting and applying the information over a period of time—is particularly effective in ingraining information in our brains. It’s the reason why flashcards are such a useful study tool. In close-knit relationships, such as between teachers and students or parents and children, spaced repetition can be a powerful strategy to reinforce complex ideas over multiple conversations.
However, it’s worth noting that time may be limited in other relationships, which makes this particular strategy challenging to implement in certain circumstances. Therefore, it’s important to adjust your communication strategies according to the situation and the nature of your relationship with your listeners.
Remember, these strategies are merely tools to aid in communication. Their effectiveness is predicated on a genuine desire to connect with your audience. No matter how clear or articulate your points may be, they will fall flat without an honest intention to engage with others on a meaningful level.
