Clarity

Clarity in communication is an acquired and practiced skill. Part patience, part self-knowledge, part vocabulary. Political correctness and superficiality cloud clear speech.

Thinking before speaking is essential to conveying ideas and feelings clearly. The constant habitual interjection of words such as "like" or "you know" in speech is a symptom of lack of mental clarity and development. Speech peppered with vulgarity is also unclear, shaded with unprocessed emotion.

Speaking loudly with headphones in the ears is simply rude. It gives one clear message: "I don't really want to hear what you have to say." To be a clear communicator, you must first be a good listener as a student and observer of self and environment. 

A humanist, I believe, must clearly understand his/her own mind before being able to communicate his/her values. This is an essential part of a daily humanist practice. Rushing around in a state of over-stimulation is an impediment to this process. Clarity comes with patience, reflection and meditation when alone. Clarity comes with respectful, intelligent and compassionate listening when communicating.