1. Below are "metrics" or ways of measuring whether or not your conversations and presentations are clearer. People respond warmly and attentively throughout the conversation or presentation:
their eyebrows are raised, their eyes are rounded;
they learn forward while you are talking;
2. Read nonverbal signals that others are confused. Confused listeners often:
avoid eye contact;
tilt their heads;
squint their eyes;
3. Avoid vague words
Speak clearly by avoiding unclear words including it,that,this,those,they,he,she,them,and some things, we. You talk as if you and your listeners are looking at the same pictuer.
4. Stop repeating yourself
People repeat themselves,hoping to make sense. This technique seems logical, but is not a good idea.
5. Stop one thought in each sentence
Don't "say it all" in a long sentence. The average adult listener can hold only sixteen words in short term memory, so do not use 30 words sentences. Try this: ssay only one idea per sentence, then end the sentence and start a new one.
6. Start in the right place and stay on track
Only provide brief introductions to your topics to warm up and orient listeners. "Brief" means two to five minutes for a presentation and a short phrase for an email or voice mail message.
7. Eliminate rambling
finish each idea before proceeding;
tolerate silence;
shorten your sentences;
picture your idea in your mind, as if on "video", before speaking'