Communication can be performed faster, more efficiently and more conveniently than ever before…but we all still struggle with communicating effectively. In many respects our true accomplishment has been to spread confusion at cyber speed.

One issue about communication remains the same. Regardless of technology or medium, it is crucial to be sure that the people who receive our message understand it as well. However, when people get together, the speaker often takes it for granted that the listener understands, even when the topic is complex. Fortunately, there is a technique that we can borrow from early mankind to aid our communication efforts…storytelling or examples.

Ironically, short stories or examples are often used in training, schools and textbooks, but are rarely used in important business discussions (including insurance). Any person who wants to better understand their policy needs, coverages and exclusions, should just ask for examples. Insurance policies are contracts and, like other legal documents, can be confusing. Often an illustration is more useful than a detailed discussion of policy language. Instead of trying to dissect how one clause modifies or makes exception to another, ask the speaker if they can demonstrate their point.

A person who can create a good example is someone who has a thorough understanding of his subject and that understanding can be passed along to the listener. The listener often appreciates the work it takes to create examples and this can ease future communication. So take an active role whenever you communicate with an insurance professional and ask: Can you give me an example?

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