As an ADHD coach, I often encounter clients who struggle with clear communication. Recently, one client brought up a common challenge: the tendency to over-explain in conversations and emails. This not only causes confusion but can also dilute the core message they want to convey. Let’s explore why this happens and some practical strategies for effective communication.
Understanding the Challenge
For many individuals with ADHD, the desire to provide comprehensive answers often stems from a fear of being misunderstood or facing follow-up questions. This impulse can lead to lengthy emails or conversations that wander off-topic, making it hard for the recipient to grasp the main point. The result? A lack of clarity that can frustrate both the speaker and the listener.
This tendency can be linked to a few factors:
Impulsivity: In the moment, you may feel the need to share every detail, leading to information overload.
Anxiety: Worrying about how your message will be received can prompt you to include excessive background information.
Difficulty with Focus: Maintaining clarity while juggling multiple thoughts can be challenging, resulting in mixed messages.
Practical Strategies for Clear Communication
To help streamline your communication, consider the following strategies:
Structure for Clear Communication:
Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your message and what they need to know.
Define Your Main Purpose: Identify the key point or purpose of your communication. What do you want the recipient to take away?
Provide Essential Information: Include only the information that is necessary for the recipient to act on your message. Avoid adding unrelated details.
Outline Actions Needed: Clearly state any actions you or the recipient need to take. This helps everyone stay on the same page.
Specify Next Steps: If applicable, outline any long-term plans or follow-up actions to keep the conversation moving forward.
Drafting and Brain Dumping: If you find it hard to condense your thoughts, start by doing a "brain dump." Write down everything you want to say without worrying about structure. Once you’ve gotten it all out, review your notes and pick out the essential points. This can help alleviate the discomfort of feeling like you need to say everything at once.
Practice Self-Compassion: It’s important to remember that effective communication is a skill that takes practice. Be kind to yourself if you struggle to keep your messages concise. Acknowledge that everyone has their own communication style and that it’s okay to work on improving yours over time.
Seek Feedback: After sending an email or finishing a conversation, consider asking for feedback. This can help you gauge how well your message was received and provide insights for future communications.
Limit Length: For emails, aim to keep your messages brief. If you find yourself writing more than a few paragraphs, consider whether all the information is necessary. A good rule of thumb is to use bullet points to break down information and enhance readability.
Clear communication is essential for effective interactions, especially for those with ADHD. By understanding the reasons behind the urge to over-explain and implementing structured strategies, you can enhance your clarity and confidence in communication.
Remember, it’s a process—be patient with yourself as you develop these skills. With practice and self-compassion, you’ll find that your messages become clearer and more impactful.
Mirka
Komentáře