The brilliant journalist and broadcaster Ros Atkins discusses the art of explanation and the importance of effective communication. He shares the secrets he has learned from years of working in high-pressure newsrooms, highlighting the elements of a good explanation. The podcast explores topics such as tailoring communication to specific audiences, the balance between concise content and capturing attention in the digital world, the significance of engaging people emotionally through storytelling, and the challenges of adapting to the unpredictable nature of journalism.
Explanation involves identifying what you want to say, gathering information and delivering it effectively.
Adapting communication style to suit different audiences enhances connection and successful communication.
Communicating with clarity, relevance, and efficiency helps cut through digital noise and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Deep dives
Importance of Communication and Explanation
Communication and the ability to explain ideas effectively are crucial skills in the digital age. Whether it's public speaking, pitching ideas, or even casual conversations, the way we convey information and engage others has a significant impact. Understanding the substance and style of your message is key. Explanation involves determining what you want to say, gathering the necessary information, and delivering it in a way that resonates with the intended audience. By honing these communication skills, you can achieve transformative outcomes in various contexts.
Adapting Communication to Different Audiences
Adapting your communication style to suit different audiences is critical. While being authentic is important, it's also necessary to tailor your approach based on the specific circumstances and the people you are addressing. A one-size-fits-all approach may not effectively engage multiple individuals or capture their attention. By considering who you are speaking to and what information is relevant to them, you can strengthen your connection and increase the likelihood of successful communication.
Navigating Communication Challenges in the Digital Age
In the digital era, with an overwhelming amount of communication channels and information available, effectively capturing and maintaining attention can be challenging. However, there are opportunities to stand out by communicating with clarity, relevance, and efficiency. Whether it's a concise email, a well-structured presentation, or a captivating video, focusing on essential information and engaging storytelling can help you cut through the digital noise and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Importance of Feedback for Improving Communication
Taking feedback on our communication style, such as speaking speed or clarity, can help us become more effective communicators. By actively listening to feedback and making necessary adjustments, like speaking slower, we can enhance our ability to engage and connect with others. This improves the overall quality of communication and ensures that our message is understood and impactful.
Precision and Whittling Down Information for Effective Communication
Communicating effectively involves being precise in our language and whittling down information to focus on the most important points. By answering key questions such as 'why does this matter?' or 'what do you need to know?', we can convey information more effectively and avoid overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details. This approach is particularly valuable when writing emails or presenting information in concise formats like pitch decks, allowing us to capture attention and deliver impactful messages.
Adrienne is joined by the brilliant journalist and broadcaster Ros Atkins.
Explanation - identifying and communicating what we want to say - is an art. And the BBC presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the viral 'Ros Atkins on...' explainer videos, is something of a master of the form. In his book, Ros shares the secrets he has learned from years of working in high-pressure newsrooms, identifying the ten elements of a good explanation and the seven steps you need to take to express yourself with clarity and impact.