Select and briefly describe three guidelines for achieving clarity in speaking. As part of your description, provide an example for each guideline you select.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students' answers will vary but should include three of the following guidelines:
- Be economical:
* It is important not to waste words. The phrase "we first began the discussion..." includes wasted words because 'first' and 'began' are redundant. The word "first" should be omitted.
- Use specific terms and numbers:
* It is important to create a clear and detailed picture for the listener. Don't just say "dog" when you want listeners to picture a St. Bernard.
- Use short, familiar terms:
* Instead of saying "innocuous," say "harmless" to ensure that all listeners understand.
- Carefully assess idioms:
* An idiom is an expression unique to a specific language whose meaning cannot be deduced from the words used (e.g., "kick the bucket"). Be sure the audience will know the meaning of such expressions.
- Use acronyms sparingly:
* Widely used acronyms (e.g., NATO, UN, ASAP) are appropriate to use because most listeners will know what they stand for. When in doubt, spell out acronyms the first time you use them.
- Vary the levels of abstraction:
* Combining high abstraction (i.e., the very general) and low abstraction (i.e., the very concrete) seem to work best. Too many generalizations will be vague and difficult to understand, while too many specifics will leave the audience wondering what the big picture is. An example would be including some general information about hospitals, then specific information about the duties of various staff members.