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Clarity

 

Disciplines Argument > Virtues of Style > Clarity

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

 

Description

Speak or write with a constant focus on helping the other person understand what you are trying to convey. Make it easy for them to understand.

Use simple forms of the language, simple sentences and so on.   

Example

Eschew obfuscation. (not clear)

Avoid making things unclear. (clearer)

Be clear. (even clearer)

Discussion

Clarity is similar to Correctness in that it does seek to follow the rules of language, yet you can be correct and very obscure. Obscurity occurs when you are using uncommon words and archaic forms of the language that, although correct, are difficult to understand.

'Plain English' is a movement that seeks to spread clarity in speech and, particularly, writing.

Vices of clarity include using complex sentences and uncommon words in a deliberate attempt to assert authority by causing confusion. A common form of losing clarity is where there is ambiguity, such that multiple meanings may be given (again, this can be a deliberate device).

See also

Correctness, Sentences

 

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

 

 

Please help and share:

 

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

+ Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

About
Guest Articles
Blog!
Books
Changes
Contact
Guestbook
Quotes
Students
Webmasters

 

| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links |

© Changing Works 2002-
Massive Content — Maximum Speed