CLARITY – expressing your thoughts clearly through the following:
PRONUNCIATION – In the dictionary, to pronounce is simply to produce the spoken counterpart of the word. Correctly and clearly producing the vowel and consonant sounds greatly contribute to understandability . Incorrect pronunciation or production of sounds in words may lead to “miscommunication”.
INFLECTION – is defined in the dictionary as a change in pitch or loudness. One speaks with inflection by properly stressing syllables or words in a sentence. It is the opposite of being monotonous. Changes in inflection cause the same expression to change meaning.
“ I DIDN’T SAY YOU STOLE MY MONEY”
DICTION – is the choice of words with regard to correctness, clearness and effectiveness.
CORRECTNESS OF GRAMMAR –using proper sentence construction involves appropriate use of words (subject and verb agreement, propositions and many more). Having correct grammar makes one appear more professional and thus, more credible to others.
CONCISENESS – refraining from using unessential words, conciseness allows one to go straight to the point.
COHERENCE – discussing a topic in a manner where every point is systematically or methodically connected and interrelated. Coherence is displayed when the discussion does not shift from one idea to another and when no contradictory ideas are presented.
CONFIDENCE – having a firm belief in your abilities and capabilities in order to build a trusting relationship with another.
CONTRIBUTORS TO CONFIDENCE INCLUDE:
PREPAREDNESS – you are expected to know your report or oral presentations as well as other information that may be needed to address situations likely to arise during the conversations or discussions.
SPONTANEITY – remaining neutral and conversational by staying relaxed and always sounding interested in what the other person says.
MINIMAL FILLERS – non-words such as “ahs” and “uhms” or expressions like “you know” or “basically” that do not add any meaning to your expressions. Repeated often, fillers affect your clarity because your listeners get distracted by them and lose track of your discussion.
RATE OF SPEECH – speaking at the pace that allows you to clearly pronounced words. A rate that is too fast could have you stumbling over words, while a rate that is too slow could draw out or distort sounds, giving the impression that you are not relaxed.
PITCH – your pitch communicates a message as well. A high-pitched voice usually indicates excitement or nervousness, while a low-pitch voice indicates confidence, authority and being relaxed and thus more preferred.
TONE – Many times it’s not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it. You want to make certain that your tone is not just confident, but also, courteous, sincere and humble.
