Hitting the target with language

When we speak, listen, write or read, we want to do our best. We want to understand and be understood.

We want to hit the target!

When an archer shoots an arrow, they take aim, pull back on the string and release it to send the arrow to the target.

How do we hit the target?

We can keep our eye on what we want to say, or write

We can take our aim at what we want to achieve

We can "fire our arrow" and see where it lands

We can practice more if we do not hit the centre spot on the target

 

What sort of things can we do to get the accuracy?

* Search for the right words> think of the most accurate and useful words for what we want to say

* Understand the context > understand what we need to say and why

* Concentrate the effort > keep concentrating on what we need to do

* "Give it our best shot" >speak, read, write or listen the best way we can (without worrying)

Let us imagine we are wanting to catch a train:

Make sure that you search for the right words:

"where is the train to London?" with a little bit more searching could become

"could you tell me which platform the train to London leaves from?

(more accurate words)

If you cannot remember the word for "platform", then you could say

"could you tell me which place the train leaves from?"

"when is the next train to London?" could become:

"at what time does the next train to London leave this station please?"

(more accurate words)

"thank you" could  become:

"Thank you, I appreciate your help"

(add accuracy)

 

We need to keep our eye on the target, keep our concentration and then go for it. We can hit the target more often when we do this.

Bye for now

Alan