Say What You Mean! – Mastering Communication Techniques

📖 The Art of Communicating Clearly

Have you ever felt like someone just wasn’t listening to you?

Or maybe you’ve found yourself talking and suddenly realizing no one is paying attention?

Good communication is much more than just speaking—it’s about listening, responding, and being receptive to others.

Communication expert Stephanie says one of the biggest mistakes people make is going into conversations with a hidden agenda.

Instead of really listening, they focus on what they want to say next. They try to manoeuvre the conversation to their advantage. But genuine connection happens when we empathise and truly listen.

To be a better communicator, you need to stay focused. That means no multitasking, no scrolling through your phone, and definitely no daydreaming.

Nonverbal signs—like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language—are just as important as words. Your job is to notice them.

Another tip? Don’t rush to give advice unless someone asks for it. People appreciate being heard, not judged. And never burst someone’s bubble by dismissing their feelings or experiences.

We also need to be aware of nonverbal cues. For example, crossing your arms or avoiding eye contact can make others feel uncomfortable. Instead, try to appear open, calm, and present.

Even if someone disagrees with you, that’s okay. Conversations shouldn’t be about “winning.” If someone can’t see your point of view, it’s still important to respect theirs.

Just say, “Thanks for sharing—I’ll think about that.”

In short, to be a strong communicator:
✅ Listen actively
✅ Ask for clarification when needed
✅ Stay open to feedback
✅ And don’t forget your body language!

❓ How to Clarify – Asking and Giving Clarification

Good communication depends on clarity. If you don’t understand something, ask!

If someone doesn’t understand you, explain it again in a simpler way. Here are some common expressions to help you:

🗨️ Asking for Clarification

• What do you mean by…?

• I’m not quite sure I follow you.

• Could you clarify that, please?

• Could you be more specific?

• I don’t quite see what you’re getting at.

• I beg your pardon?

🗣️ Giving Clarification

• Let me explain what I mean.

• In other words…

• To put it differently…

• Let me put it another way…

• To say this differently…

• Would you like an example?

💡 Example Dialogue

A: "I think we should streamline the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting."
B: "Sorry, could you clarify that? What do you mean by 'streamline'?"
A: "Sure. I mean we should remove less important topics so we can focus on the key points."

Using these expressions shows that you're engaged—and helps prevent getting your wires crossed.

🧠 Vocabulary Builder

All these words appear in bold in the text above:

• agenda – a hidden plan or goal

• manoeuvre – to subtly control a situation

• technique – a method or skill

• empathise – to understand someone’s feelings

• focused – concentrated, paying attention

• nonverbal – communication without words

• receptive – open to new ideas

• verbal – spoken

• clarification – making something easier to understand

• be all ears – to listen eagerly

• beat around the bush – avoid saying something directly

• burst someone’s bubble – to disappoint someone or ruin their excitement

• get a word in edgewise – to finally speak in a conversation

• get to the point – to be direct and clear

• get your wires crossed – to misunderstand someone

📊 Communication by the Numbers: Facts & Stats

• 🧠 55% of communication is body language, 38% tone of voice, and only 7% is actual words (Albert Mehrabian, UCLA).

• 📱 People check their phones every 4 minutes on average—hurting active listening!

• 🗣️ The average person spends 70–80% of their day communicating, with 45% of that time listening.

• 🔄 According to a Salesforce study, 86% of employees and executives cite lack of collaboration or poor communication for workplace failures.

• 🤝 Good communicators are more likely to get promoted, with 60% of managers saying communication skills are more important than technical ones.

🗯️ Talkative Idioms – What Do They Really Mean?

Let’s break down some common communication idioms!

“Are you listening to me?”
“Yes, I’m all ears!”

“It’s been a while—just calling to touch base.”

“The teacher always keeps us posted on student progress.”

“Stephanie talks so fast I can’t get a word in edgewise.”

“Let’s get to the point already.”

“We got our wires crossed about the meeting time.”

“Talking to him is like talking to a brick wall.”

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth!”

🎯 Match the Meaning – Communication Idioms

Instructions: Match each definition below with the correct idiom from the box.

Idioms to choose from:
beat around the bush – touch base – be all ears – get your wires crossed – get to the point – keep someone posted – talking to a brick wall – get a word in edgewise

1. To avoid saying something directly
2. To have a quick chat or give a brief update
3. To listen with interest and attention
4. To misunderstand someone or miscommunicate
5. To speak clearly and directly
6. To give someone regular updates about a situation
7. To speak but feel like the other person is not listening at all
8. To not get a chance to speak in a conversation

✅ Answer Key

• beat around the bush

• touch base

• be all ears

• get your wires crossed

• get to the point

• keep someone posted

• talking to a brick wall

• get a word in edgewise

🔁 Try Paraphrasing – Communication Idioms

Instructions: Replace the words in [brackets] with the correct idiom from the box.

Idioms to choose from:
touch base – beat around the bush – get our wires crossed – be all ears – talking to a brick wall – get a word in edgewise – keep you posted – get to the point

1. Maybe we can all [have a quick chat] at the end of the week.
2. Stop [avoiding the point] and tell me the truth.
3. We just need to make sure we don’t [misunderstand].
4. Tell me exactly what happened. I am [ready to listen]!
5. Giving her advice is like [no one is listening].
6. I grew up with six sisters. It was hard to [speak].
7. Not much has happened so far, but I’ll [keep you informed].
8. He’s been talking forever. I wish he would [be direct].

✅ Answer Key

• Maybe we can all touch base at the end of the week.

• Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.

• We just need to make sure we don’t get our wires crossed.

• I am all ears!

• It’s like talking to a brick wall.

• It was hard to get a word in edgewise.

• I’ll keep you posted.

• I wish he would get to the point.

✅ Comprehension Quiz

True or False?

• A good communicator only needs to speak well.

• Giving advice too quickly can be harmful.

• Nonverbal communication is less important than words.

• Active listening helps build trust.

• Everyone communicates in the same way.

✔️ Answers:

• False

• True

• False

• True

• False

💬 Discussion Questions

• Which communication technique do you find hardest to practise?

• Do you notice body language when talking with others?

• How do you usually ask for clarification in a conversation?

• Do you ever feel like people don’t listen to you? Why?

• Have you ever “got your wires crossed” with someone? What happened?

🔚 Final Reflection

Being a strong communicator takes more than just knowing what to say. It’s about staying present, listening with intent, and choosing the right moment to respond.

Try using some of the idioms from today’s lesson in your next conversation—and don’t forget to clarify when things get confusing!

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