How to learn to articulate your thoughts clearly

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A case where regular social networking and recording of voice messages can be beneficial.

Sometimes I really want to convey some idea to the audience or readers, but I can't do it. It does not come out to find the right words, thoughts get confused, spread, jump from topic to topic. We've put together a few tricks to help you overcome these barriers.

1. Use the thesis-argument-proof scheme

It will help structure thoughts, build a statement or text in a logical and consistent manner. Especially if you are arguing with someone or want to convincingly present your point of view on a problem.

First, you put forward a thesis or assumption. Then you expand it a little, explain what exactly you mean. Finally, show proof. For example:

Thesis: "Reading the classics is important and necessary."

Argument: "Classical literature helps to increase vocabulary, develops imagination and emotional intelligence."

Proof: "Scientists have found that people who read classical literature are better at recognizing other people's emotions."

2. Write notes

Especially if you like to read books from the non-fiction category. Let's say you finish a chapter, and then briefly, literally half a page, write down the main points.

If you are too lazy to take notes after each chapter, you can retell the whole book, while also trying to fit into a certain number of words or pages. It's also a good way to train your memory.

3. Take voice notes

Use a voice recorder or, for example, the Favorites chat in Telegram. Leave messages for yourself: ideas that you would like to implement, interesting thoughts that have appeared in your head, or just a to-do list for tomorrow.

Try to keep the audio recording no longer than, say, one minute. This is quite enough to express and develop a thought, but at the same time not to lose it and not go into the jungle. Such a limit definitely motivates you to speak quickly, not "ekat", not "nuke" and choose your words accurately.

For lovers of voice messages, there are even special social networks. There you can only communicate with voices, and no longer than one minute. Not a bad practice of thinking and speaking skills.

4. Start Twitter

The maximum post length on this social network is 280 characters. Such a limitation will help to weed out all unnecessary and express your thoughts concisely and clearly. Especially if you do not cheat and do not create a chain of a dozen or so posts.

By the way, you can complicate the task and try to fit into 140 characters, as in Twitter it used to be.

5. Write loglines for movies and books

Logline is a very short, few lines retelling of the plot. It is used by screenwriters to quickly explain what their story is about.

For example, the logline for the film Forrest Gump was: "Forrest Gump, although not distinguished by intelligence, becomes an accidental participant in historical events, and his true love Jenny Curren eludes him."

And here is the logline of "The Matrix": "A hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the real nature of the familiar world and about his role in the war against those who control this world."

It may seem that writing a logline (or its more advanced versions - annotation and synopsis) is a trifling matter. But even writers find it difficult at times. After all, you have to learn to highlight the most important thing in the plot, and even explain the essence in just a dozen words. So creating loglines can be a great workout if you want to learn how to communicate your thoughts clearly and clearly.