How to speak more clearly, like a Spartan
Danny Riley
5 min read
What you’ll learn:
- How to sharpen your ‘point’, before you speak.
- How to speak more clearly when answering questions.
- Key ways to improve clarity in conversations.
Why you need to speak more clearly.
In any form of public speaking, clarity is key.
It’s not just about the words you choose — it’s about how effectively you deliver them.
If you tend to ramble, pad your sentences with fluff, or leave your listeners confused, it’s time to take a lesson from the ancient Spartans. They were masters of sharp, direct communication, wasting no words and driving their points home with precision.
Take this example from history: when Philip of Macedon sent a lengthy threat to the Spartan army in 345BCE, saying:
“You are advised to submit without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city.”
The famously laconic Spartans responded with a single word:
“If.”
This Spartan clarity is something all speakers should strive for. The less you say, the more impactful your message becomes. So, how can you speak more clearly in your presentations, answers, and even everyday conversations?
Let’s break it down.
Speak more clearly by sharpening your 'Key Idea'.
The first rule of how to speak more clearly is knowing exactly what point you want to make. Before you speak, always have a clear key idea in mind.
Your key idea is the heart of your message — the single, central point around which everything else revolves.
Once you define this, it becomes much easier to structure your speech or conversation. Every supporting argument, piece of evidence, or anecdote should serve to reinforce this key idea.
For example, when coaching clients on speech writing, I always ask them to summarise their entire message in one sentence. It’s a challenge, but once they nail that one sentence, the rest of their speech falls into place. This sentence often makes for a great speech title, too.
Consider these TED Talk titles:
- The Secret to Success Isn’t Power – It’s Status
- The Magical, Mesmerising Migration of Monarch Butterflies
- The Power of Personalisation in the Age of AI
Each title communicates a clear, focused idea, telling the audience exactly what to expect.
When you start with a well-defined key idea, you lay the foundation for clarity in your speech.
Clarity comes from knowing your content.
Another essential part of learning how to speak more clearly is preparation. Confidence in speaking comes from truly understanding your material. The deeper your knowledge, the more clearly you’ll be able to communicate.
Some worry about being “over-prepared,” but in reality, there’s no such thing.
The more familiar you are with your content, the more concise and authoritative you’ll sound. It also allows you to adjust your delivery on the fly, ensuring clarity even when faced with unexpected questions or situations.
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Clear communication makes you memorable
One of the key reasons to learn how to speak more clearly is that clear communication makes you memorable. Audiences tend to remember a single, well-formed idea more than a series of vague or disconnected thoughts.
To make your message stick, try using memorable quotes, vivid anecdotes, or unexpected examples.
For instance, in a debate on financial motivation, referencing the famous Notorious B.I.G. quote — “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems” — is far more engaging than a generic comment on the drawbacks of financial incentives. It sticks with your audience.
Speak more clearly with 'Improv Structures'.
Speaking clearly isn’t just for prepared speeches. It’s equally important in off-the-cuff situations like Q&A sessions or spontaneous conversations.
When faced with an unexpected question, it’s easy to ramble or lose focus. To prevent this, I recommend using a simple technique I call “Improv Structures” — frameworks you can use to organise your thoughts on the fly.
One of the simplest structures is the power of three. Break your response down into three clear points. This technique not only helps you stay focused, but also aids your audience in following along.
For example, if someone asks, “What’s your best advice for speaking clearly?” you might respond:
- Be clear on your key point. Know exactly what message you want to convey.
- Eliminate fluff and filler words. Focus on getting straight to the point.
- Practise makes perfect. The more you practise, the clearer your communication will become.
This framework organises your response and makes it easier for your audience to follow, increasing the clarity of your message.
Practise clarity in everyday conversations.
Learning how to speak more clearly isn’t just for speeches or presentations — it’s a skill you should practise in everyday conversations.
The more you work on it, the more naturally, clear communication will come to you. Here are three key ways to practise clarity in daily interactions:
- Reduce filler words. Start paying attention to how often you use words like “um,” “uh,” “so,” or “kind of.” The fewer fillers you use, the more confident and clear you’ll sound. Replace fillers with intentional pauses.
- Slow down your pace. Speaking too quickly can make your message hard to follow. Slowing down allows your words to land more clearly. Remember: clear communicators often say less, but they make every word count.
- Emphasise key points. By adding emphasis to specific words, you guide your listener’s attention. This helps them focus on the most important parts of your message. Be intentional with emphasis to enhance clarity.
Final thoughts: Mastering how to speak more clearly
Speaking clearly and confidently can transform the way your audience receives and remembers your message. Whether you’re giving a formal presentation, answering spontaneous questions, or having casual conversations, clarity is key.
By sharpening your key idea, practising the power of three in your answers, knowing your content deeply, and using memorable examples, you can speak more clearly and leave a lasting impact.
Remember, like the Spartans, less is more.
Choose your words wisely, and you’ll find that clear communication makes all the difference.
Whenever you're ready, here's 3 ways I can help you:
1. Charisma Club: My flagship 3-month coaching programme for professionals. Follow a proven system to build confidence, find your charisma, and step-up as a speaker in your niche.
2. Speak & Present: Looking for a quick way to supercharge your public speaking skills? Face your fears, develop new skills, and deliver a live speech in our 1-day Masterclass for professionals.
3. Team Training: Bring confident communication to your team. I’ll help them to speak with clarity, enhance their leadership skills, and present with confidence. Bookable as half/full day training. Ideal for teams and senior leaders.