Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Why do some people not communicate clearly?

news.ycombinator.com

371–372 of 372 posts

Re: Ask HN: Why do some people not communicate clearly?

#371
post #71

Does anyone have any recommendations for books/courses for improving verbal communication? Not talking about pubic speaking, like toastmasters, but improving your ability to do things like mentioned by OP? I feel like there's lots of stuff about this on writing but less related to verbal communication.

Crucial Conversations Difficult Conversations Nonviolent Communications Many here on HN get PTSD with the last one, but ignore them - everyone I've engaged in on HN that criticizes the book hasn't read it (the book actually agrees with their talking points!) However, I will say that there is a cult-like following the book has (NVC chapters in various cities, etc), and would recommend you read the book and avoid the c…

Thanks for that. I also read and quite liked NVC.

Btw all these books are readable on Open Library:

* https://openlibrary.org/works/OL282391W/Crucial_Conversation...

* https://openlibrary.org/works/OL13513526W/Difficult_Conversa...

* https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2018966W/Nonviolent_Communic...

Re: Ask HN: Why do some people not communicate clearly?

#372
post #223

A crucial point not mentioned yet: cross cultural issues. In an American culture, it is "self-evident" that clear communication is about being direct and to the point. But this is far from universal. More generally, western cultures tend to conflate earnest and truth. "Telling it like it is" is valued. We don't realize our own "phoniness". I have witnessed countless times people hitting a wall in meetings and other s…

That's a good point, but tangential to OP's question
Post reply on HN