The Mechanics of Clear Communication

Communication fails in predictable places: unclear purpose, wrong audience assumptions, missing feedback loops. Fixing those three fixes most messages.

Key Concepts

• Before communicating, answer: who is this for, what do I want them to know/feel/do?
• Bottom line up front (BLUF): state the conclusion first, then support it
• Match the channel to the message: complex/emotional → conversation; records/details → writing
• Feedback loop: ask the receiver to reflect back key points — transmission is not communication
• Nonverbal channels (tone, posture, timing) often outweigh the words

Try It Yourself

Take the last important message you sent and rewrite it BLUF-style: conclusion in sentence one. Compare which version a busy reader would rather receive.