Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Clarify (10/15/15)
-
TITLE: What do you mean? | Previous Challenge Entry
By D. Michael Newell
10/20/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Sometimes misunderstandings can seem amusing. More often they create big problems that take a lot of work to straighten out. I must be careful to keep misunderstandings from coming up in the first place.
Over fifty years of experience has taught me to be clear about the subject I am teaching. Most of my work has been Bible related. Some of it overseas but most of it here in the USA.
When overseas I often needed an interpreter or two.
Experience is a great teacher. When teaching with an interpreter, clarity becomes even more important. Of course it’s important for the class to understand me, but first of all, the interpreters must have a grasp on what I am saying. If not, they will multiply the problem. The more interpreters, the greater the potential for mistakes.
While in Sri Lanka during the height of their civil war, I was training some leaders for a Christian organization. There were people from two language groups. While they were both Sri Lankans, they could not understand each other or myself who spoke a third language, English.
I did several things to help:
1. I smiled and tried to be friendly.
2. Beforehand, I gave both interpreters a copy of my notes, and asked if they understood the subject while giving them an opportunity to ask me questions.
3. During the lecture, the interpreters were told to ask for clarification if they were not 100% sure about what I was saying.
4. My vocabulary was simple and straightforward: I avoided sayings or expressions that would not translate clearly.
5. While speaking I studied the interpreters faces, as well as those in the audience.
6. I encouraged questions from the class.
7. I asked questions of the class. Yes, it takes time when things are being interpreted. But it will keep misunderstandings small and easier to straighten out.
8. I did not use humor as it does not translate well between languages or cultures.
9. I had to remember that I couldn’t cover the same amount of material in a given time when relying on an interpreter. Even more time is needed if more than one interpreter is required.
10. I was careful how I scheduled things. I didn’t try to cover everything at once. I used bite-sized pieces.
11. I never left a teaching session without making sure the class understood the material.
Over time, I have found that whether I am teaching in my language or teaching through an interpreter, these are good principles to follow. They help keep misunderstandings to a minimum. I have taught all ages from pre-school to senior adults. I find that these principles apply to all ages. They also apply when I teach cross-culturally.
These principles help to keep clarity in the teaching sessions. They are also useful when speaking one on one, or in committee meetings. Clarity is always needed. I wonder just how much time is wasted because of miscommunication. How much more productive would Deacon meetings be if not for miscommunication. How many church splits have been cause by misunderstandings.
How much misunderstanding could be avoided if we all sought to speak clearly. (This would be good advice for politicians.)
I want to present my material so the one question I will not be asked is “What do you mean?”
Here is an example of clear speech from the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
“My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(Joh 14:2-6 NIV)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Nicely given.