Holy cow. You've stumped me. Everything I've learned came from experience, starting with my high school debate team. I can only suppose that books on public speaking or debate would be helpful. And on logic. It is useful to be familiar enough with the classical fallacies that you can recognize them when they are being used, and realize they must be dismissed from consideration.
For simple presentation, there is a trick I have learned that is very helpful. Within your own mental experience you have direct knowledge of two important things: (1) what you thought when you did not know a certain thing, and (2) what the key points were that were essential to learning that certain thing. In convincing another person, it is as though the person you are now (2) is speaking to the person you were then (1). But now you know what the mental obstacles were and how to overcome them. What you need to do is help the other person overcome them.
Candor is best, which means you will have to learn tactful ways of putting unwelcome truths.
There is a Zen to this. Every encounter, every communication---by word of mouth or in writing---is a challenge to be clear. If you are struggling to be clear in expression, it is a sign that you are not clear in your thinking. So, go back and rethink. I have had to do that so often, it was countless. Whenever you want to say "I know what I need to say, but I just can't find the words," it is not true. You don't know what you need to say.
Hey thanks for the extra effort in your response. I was in technical sales dealing mostly with engineers and their managers, and actually successful. Then and now, I'm always looking to be better and hoping for that easier way.
"If you are struggling to be clear in expression, it is a sign that you are not clear in your thinking." Universal truth most people don't grasp.
That would be a post mortem. I'm retired! But thanks anyway.
Clarity is a funny thing. It is actually the "easier way." Somehow, we have gotten used to getting our shoelaces entangled. (It also comes with honesty. You want to find the straightest path to the truth. That doesn't always mean the shortest path.)
Holy cow. You've stumped me. Everything I've learned came from experience, starting with my high school debate team. I can only suppose that books on public speaking or debate would be helpful. And on logic. It is useful to be familiar enough with the classical fallacies that you can recognize them when they are being used, and realize they must be dismissed from consideration.
For simple presentation, there is a trick I have learned that is very helpful. Within your own mental experience you have direct knowledge of two important things: (1) what you thought when you did not know a certain thing, and (2) what the key points were that were essential to learning that certain thing. In convincing another person, it is as though the person you are now (2) is speaking to the person you were then (1). But now you know what the mental obstacles were and how to overcome them. What you need to do is help the other person overcome them.
Candor is best, which means you will have to learn tactful ways of putting unwelcome truths.
There is a Zen to this. Every encounter, every communication---by word of mouth or in writing---is a challenge to be clear. If you are struggling to be clear in expression, it is a sign that you are not clear in your thinking. So, go back and rethink. I have had to do that so often, it was countless. Whenever you want to say "I know what I need to say, but I just can't find the words," it is not true. You don't know what you need to say.
I hope that is helpful. Good luck.
Hey thanks for the extra effort in your response. I was in technical sales dealing mostly with engineers and their managers, and actually successful. Then and now, I'm always looking to be better and hoping for that easier way.
"If you are struggling to be clear in expression, it is a sign that you are not clear in your thinking." Universal truth most people don't grasp.
Appreciate your guidance and your time.
Take care and expecting success in all you do.
That would be a post mortem. I'm retired! But thanks anyway.
Clarity is a funny thing. It is actually the "easier way." Somehow, we have gotten used to getting our shoelaces entangled. (It also comes with honesty. You want to find the straightest path to the truth. That doesn't always mean the shortest path.)