Speak Your Mind Clearly

The truth another needs to know can and must be clear, and we can and must convey it kindly. When it is in our hearts to communicate what is true, kind, and necessary, it should be in our hearts to make sure we do so clearly.

None of us likes it when people are unclear with us about what is true. We expect others to think well enough to clearly answer the what, when, where, who, why, and how. But do we have the same standard for ourselves? Let’s look at principles for communicating clearly:

• We should use intelligible communication.
• We should should take responsibility for our part in any miscommunication and intentionally seek improved communication techniques.
• We should should use authentic communication so our every action and word flows naturally from our convictions.
• We should use poised communication when sharing that which we have strong feelings about.
• We should use organized communication in our thoughts and speaking style.
• We need to gain the skills and confidence to use open communication with others about helpful information.

Intelligible communication is not vague or fuzzy. It is easy for others to understand. It eliminates ambiguity so others can grasp what we say. Clear communicators frequently solicit feedback by asking, “Does this make sense?”

To improve our communication and speak our minds clearly, we should focus on improving our clarity instead of solely faulting others for not listening correctly. Improved communicators become clearer because they focus on revising, simplifying, and cultivating. With humility, we should refuse to blame others for not understanding, seek to revise the information, reduce the complexity, and better the relationship.

Authentic communication means being the real deal—someone who genuinely holds to their values, having learned to communicate them humbly and honestly. Authentic communication is direct, principled, congruent, and reliable. These people are respectfully forthright about what they think and believe.

Poised communicators are self-editing, temperate, and rejuvenated, monitoring their emotions. These people think before they speak to censor what is untrue, unkind, unnecessary, and unclear. They recognize where they can be exasperated and realize the need to remain levelheaded to communicate truly, kindly, and clearly.

Organized communication encompasses communication that is on point, prepared, and paced. These communicators maintain focus and stay on track; they talk about significant issues logically and understandably; and they allow people the time to process content and pause to ask whether it makes sense.

Open communicators are scrupulous, learned, and true friends. They welcome information since they believe in being accurately informed about what is true. And they are kindly clear, especially with friends, about what is true and necessary, since clarity benefits others in the long run. They humbly seek to serve others with the knowledge they have.

Hopefully your are challenged and encouraged to improve your communication skills as you humbly seek to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Pray for God’s wisdom to help you better speak your mind in areas where you need to improve in speaking the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15), then humbly and confidently go ahead and speak your mind!

Respond

Consider a time you were misunderstood when trying to communicate with others. How did you respond in this situation?

What clear communication skills to you want to develop more fully?

Pray for God’s wisdom as you step out and lovingly speak the truth. How can you use your increasing communication skills to serve your family, friends, and coworkers?

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that You provide wisdom to those who ask in faith. I pray for a heart that can discern the truth clearly and speak it lovingly to others. Help me to humbly serve others as I learn from You and communicate truth to others. May I draw others closer to You as I serve in Your name. Amen.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from Speak Your Mind: Evaluating and Unleashing Your Communication Strengths by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Check it out for more.