Clear and Direct Language Usage

Getting Email Etiquette Right: Clear, Neuroinclusive Communication Email can be a minefield—too short and it seems abrupt, too long and it’s overwhelming. Have you read into an email and thought it was rude, abrupt or said something completely different to what it actually said? Did you find it hard to know what to do next? For some neurodivergent people, unclear language, implied meanings, or hidden expectations can make emails a source of stress. Here’s how to keep communication clear and more neuroinclusive: Be direct, not vague – Say what you mean. Instead of “Let’s catch up soon,” try “Are you free on Thursday at 2 PM for a 15-minute call?” Avoid reading between the lines – Not everyone picks up on subtle cues. If you need something, state it explicitly rather than hinting. Structure matters – Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and clear subject lines to make emails easier to process. Clarity over politeness overload – While greetings and sign-offs are important, excessive niceties (“Just checking in, hope you’re well, no rush but…”) can dilute the key message. Set expectations – If a response is needed, say when: “Please reply by Wednesday.” If not urgent, make that clear to reduce pressure. Neuroinclusive emails benefit everyone—less stress, fewer misunderstandings, and clearer communication. What would you add to the list?

Thinking you're being "nice" by staying vague? You're actually being cruel. Most managers avoid being direct. Because they think it's mean. So instead of saying: → "Your presentations need work." They say: → "Maybe we could explore some opportunities for enhancement in your communication approach" Guess what happens? Nothing changes. Because unclear feedback creates: • Confusion about expectations • Anxiety about performance • Wasted time on wrong priorities • Resentment when things don’t improve The "kind" thing isn’t protecting people from truth. It’s giving them clear information so they can succeed. Clarity looks like: → "Here's exactly what needs to change." → "This is the standard we're aiming for." → "By this date, I need to see this result." → "Let me show you what good looks like." Ambiguity looks like: → "You're doing fine, but..." → "We should probably work on..." → "It would be great if maybe..." → "I think there might be room for..." Your people can handle the truth. What they can’t handle is guessing what you actually mean. What’s the most helpful piece of clear, direct feedback you’ve ever received? Be clear. Be direct. Be kind. ♻️ Repost this to help more leaders understand that clarity is kindness. ✨ Follow Sarah Touzani for leadership insights that make people better.

If your audience checks out,  this might be why. It’s not the features. It’s not the UI. It’s the language. Your words frame the whole experience. Vague words push people away. Clear words keep them engaged. What they need is: → orientation (“where am I?”) → evidence (“how do I know this works?”) → direction (“what happens next?”) Here are demo lines I’ve heard, and what to say instead: ❌ “It’s super easy.” Try: “You’ll do this in three steps: A → B → C. You’ll be able to finish the full flow in under two minutes.” ❌ “This feature solves it” Try: “Notice the status badge changing from ‘Draft’ to ‘Approved’ in the top-right, that triggers the audit trail automatically.” ❌ “We’ll fix that later.” Try: “That’s a known issue tracked for the next release window. For today, this is the reliable path and it covers 90% of use cases.” ❌ “It’s on the roadmap.” Try: “Today the supported method is X.” ❌ “Ignore the UI; it’s just a placeholder.” Try: “What matters here is the flow: capture → validate → export. The aesthetic you’ll see at launch will match your design system.” ❌ “You can do anything with it.” Try: “You’ll be able to do A and B which helps you to accomplish [goal].” ❌ “It’s a quick workaround.” Try: “This alternate path exists for edge cases. It’s supported, but the recommended daily path is what I showed first.” See the pattern? → Vague becomes clear. → Promises become proof. → Adjectives become action. To level up your language: 1. Time-box tasks (“this takes ~30 sec”) 2. Name trade-offs before they do 3. Define “done” in their terms (“Done = approved report, in inbox”) Most importantly, describe the benefits and what success looks like in the customer’s terms: less “look what we built,” more “here’s how you’ll finish Friday earlier.” Clean language = clear value. Clean language keeps them present. Present = engaged. Engaged = moving forward. Which phrases would you retire? Let’s make a list. What phrases are you guilty of?  Let’s call them out.

🎨🖊️ "Draw two circles under a rectangle…" "Now, make the circles connect to the rectangle" - some of the instructions that were given to me by our Head of Architecture during a recent offsite. We engaged in an exercise that underscored the importance of clear and effective communication. Each participant paired up, with one partner facing a screen displaying an image and the other facing a blank wall with a pen and paper. The challenge? The partner facing the screen had to guide their teammate in drawing the image using only directional and descriptive language. This exercise was a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to be clear, descriptive and thoughtful when sharing requirements, feedback or instructions. In the world of technology, we often fall into the trap of using complex language, acronyms, and omitting details we assume are "obvious." This can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, rework, and ultimately, wasted time. The key takeaway? Being specific doesn't always mean being overly detailed or long-winded. There's a beautiful balance between being specific and descriptive. It's about conveying the right amount of information in a way that's easily understood. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when striving for specificity in communication: - Overloading with Details: Focus on the most relevant information to avoid overwhelming your audience. - Using Jargon and Acronyms: Consider your audience and provide explanations when necessary. - Assuming Shared Knowledge: Provide necessary context to ensure understanding. - Being Vague: Use precise language to prevent misunderstandings. - Neglecting the Audience's Perspective: Tailor your communication to the needs and understanding of your audience. I am reminded of a quote by Mark Twain: "I apologize for such a long letter - I didn't have time to write a short one." Concise communication takes time and effort, but it's always worth it. In our fast-paced world, mastering the art of effective communication is essential. It not only enhances collaboration but also drives efficiency and innovation. #Communication #Leadership #EffectiveCommunication

This week, trying to be helpful cost me a business opportunity. Here’s what I learned about neurodivergent communication. With an ADHD brain, when I’m busy, I can be really direct. I might skip the hello and dive straight into details, solving problems without small talk. I was approached about running a workshop. The request was vague - just for a call. I’m taking my first proper break in months starting today, and this week has been relentless making that possible. I asked: “Would you be able to provide some additional information about the request? I would usually jump on a call, but I am out of office for two weeks from Friday, so I’m trying to work out if this is urgent or can wait until September.” The response threw me. They were no longer interested. I had shown a lack of commitment and genuine interest. I was genuinely upset. As someone with ADHD, I’ve been misunderstood countless times, and each time it erodes your confidence. What felt like a reasonable request for context was interpreted as disinterest. The irony? I was trying to be MORE responsive, not less. If they’d said “time-sensitive, need someone next week,” I would have rearranged my schedule. If they’d said “it’s for October,” I would have suggested September. By understanding urgency, I could have given them exactly what they needed. This reminded me why misunderstandings happen: we communicate through our own lens. What feels direct to my ADHD brain can feel abrupt to others. I wish they had simply explained: “We’re moving quickly - would a 15-minute call this week work?” Clear, direct, problem-solved. The lesson: clear communication requires us to: ✓ State intentions explicitly (“I’m asking for details to serve you better”) ✓ Acknowledge different communication styles ✓ Ask clarifying questions vs making assumptions To anyone who thinks differently - whether through ADHD, autism, cultural differences, or communication preferences - your direct style isn’t a flaw to fix. It’s a strength to explain. To everyone else: that “blunt” message might be someone trying their hardest to help effectively. Before writing someone off, ask: “Can you help me understand what you mean?” This week, give someone the benefit of the doubt and ask for clarification instead of assuming intent. #ADHD #Communication #Neurodiversity #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealthAwareness

Over the past 15 years at Velotio and Clogeny, I’ve had the privilege to work with hundreds of startups and enterprises. Through countless interactions with CxOs and VPs, I believe one of the clearest indicators of successful teams and companies is clarity of communication from CxOs/VPs. Straight talk - no corporate jargon, no beating around the bush. The best leaders communicate with absolute clarity. They ensure their teams know exactly what’s expected, and they help customers understand what they’re buying—no hidden agendas, no unnecessary fluff. Their 1-1s are direct and effective. Their emails are concise. The action items from them are direct and easy to interpret. The goals they set are clear. Their feedback is direct. They don’t regurgitate what’s trending that week. Directness—sometimes even perceived as rudeness, is better than directionless “corp speak”. Clarity and direct comms helps their teams move faster and direct reports don’t waste time in “interpreting” what the leader was saying. This has nothing to do with the size of the company. Leaders like Jamie Dimon, Brian Armstrong, Warren Buffet - run large orgs or funds, but their message is always clear & direct. You can even make it out clearly from their interviews. I’ve seen a few “straight shooters” face failure with one company, only to bounce back and lead their next venture to success. I think there is a direct correlation between clear communication & clarity of thought with better decision making.

Using million-dollar words might seem impressive, but they often miss the mark in real conversations. Here’s the thing: communication isn’t about sounding like a walking dictionary. It’s about making sure your message lands clearly and confidently. In my years of helping healthcare professionals refine their English communication, I’ve seen one common mistake repeatedly: people think big words = big impact.  The reality? Overcomplicating your language can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and even mistrust—especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare. Here’s what works instead: ✅ Clarity: Say what you mean in a way that’s easy to understand. ✅ Simplicity: Use the words that feel natural, not forced. ✅ Connection: Focus on how your audience feels about what you’re saying, not just the words you’re using. Language is a bridge, not a barrier. And the goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. So, if you’ve been leaning on "million-dollar words" to prove your expertise, here’s your sign to let them go. The clearest, simplest message is often the most powerful.

Before you start the meeting, write the email, or step into a 1:1—pause. Strong communication isn’t just about getting words out, it’s about knowing what you want those words to do. Great leaders ask themselves one simple, powerful question: “What is my communication actually trying to accomplish?” 🔎 Clarity Do I want them to understand? (e.g., explaining a new process, outlining expectations, sharing a decision) Simplify your message. Cut jargon. Use plain language. 🎬 Action Do I want them to do something? (e.g., submit a report, change a behavior, move a project forward) Be direct. Make the ask crystal clear. 🧠 Belief Do I want them to think differently? (e.g., shift a mindset, buy into a strategy, let go of outdated assumptions) Tell a story. Offer context. Show why it matters. 👀 Recognition Do I want them to feel seen or valued? (e.g., acknowledge their effort, reinforce belonging, show appreciation) Name the impact. Be specific. Make it personal. Not every message needs to hit all four. But every message should be clear on its purpose. When you know what you’re aiming for, your words land better—and your leadership gets stronger.

When we talk about simplifying language in our data communication, the immediate instinct is to 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻. And while yes, that’s important, in reality the idea of understandable language goes way beyond just skipping buzzwords. I’m talking about audiences’ fluency in the language you’re using, which in most cases is 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵. Simplifying vocabulary isn’t just about making complex ideas sound simpler, it’s also about making sure your 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, regardless of their language proficiency. Now, I’ve spent my entire life & career in Dubai, a city that’s arguably one of the most multicultural in the world, so trust me, I’ve seen this play out time and again. When there are people of so many nationalities and cultures, sometimes you have to explain things at the level of a 5-yr old, not because your audience lacks intelligence, but because English is not their first language. You could be speaking to a senior executive, an engineer, or a policymaker, but if their brain is working overtime just to process your vocabulary, they’re missing the meaning you’re trying to convey. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 🚩Because, 𝗖𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹. When your audience is translating in their heads, every extra syllable can become a hurdle. But if they understand it without any issues, they’re more likely believe and act on it. 𝗦𝗼, 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? ✅ Turns out it’s really not that difficult. Just use simple and direct words. Not dumbed down, sharp and to the point. ✅ If you see no other choice but 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 use a complex term, then define it in parentheses, footnotes, appendix….etc. ✅ And finally, if you can, send an early draft to your key audience and ask if they understand it. If it comes back with no issues, you’re good to go! Now, I know we like to show great vocabulary to make an impression, but what good is all that "eloquence" if the message itself struggles to land? Always try to prioritize clarity over clever. You’ll be surprised at how much more your audience engages and understands your communication. 

WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING, PRECISE LANGUAGE MATTERS You're in a room at your friend's house and it's chilly. You could say "Ooh, it's a little breezy in here" or you could say "could you please close the window." One is indirect language (breezy) and one is direct (close the window). When it comes to asking for (and getting) what you want, using direct language is profoundly more effective. It's a little more uncomfortable, and it requires more courage, but you get way better results. Early in my career, looking for a new job, I'd send recruiters a note: "Here's a new campaign I'd love for you to check out!" Look at me, being so damn breezy. That never, ever led to anything. As obvious as the subtext might seem {I want a job}, there's nothing easier for the recruiter to do than check out your new work and say "Cool!" And move on with their life. In a corporate setting, and in life, it's a much better strategy to ask for what you want directly and put people's asses to the fire a little more. It happens all the time in relationships too. "We've been dating for four months - isn't that crazy?" is not the same as "I want to be in an exclusive relationship." People will avoid change or conflict or discomfort as long as they possibly can. If you want something like a raise or a job or to be 100% remote or to work on a new client, or to stop working on a current client - ask for these things directly and use precise language. If it feels like a parkour move - jumping off a rooftop to another - you're doing it right. Be confident and know exactly why you want what you want. Just don't be easy breezy beautiful - leave that to CoverGirl.