The Importance of Explicit Communication in Teaching

Teaching, at its core, is about conveying information in a way that leads to understanding. Whether it’s teaching yoga, guiding students through complex subjects, or addressing legal matters, the clarity and precision of communication are paramount. In my experience, explicit communication has proven to be an essential tool, especially when working with autistic or neurodivergent individuals. Interestingly, I have found that this same level of explicitness is often required when working with lawyers. As I’ve observed, “The lawyers and the autistic people require the same stuff. You have to have everything explicitly broken down.”

The necessity for clear, step-by-step instruction is not unique to one specific group but is vital across a wide range of learners. This essay will explore why explicit communication is so critical in teaching, drawing parallels between different student populations, and discussing how this approach leads to deeper understanding and success in learning.

Explicit Communication and Autistic Students

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my teaching practice is the importance of clear, detailed, and explicit communication when working with autistic individuals. Many autistic students benefit from a structured approach that breaks down complex tasks into smaller, more digestible steps. This method allows them to process information more effectively, reducing the anxiety and confusion that can arise from ambiguous or overly generalized instructions.

When teaching neurotypical students, there is often an assumption that they will infer certain aspects of the lesson or fill in gaps on their own. However, with neurodivergent individuals, such assumptions can lead to miscommunication. Autistic students tend to thrive when instructions are precise, expectations are clear, and there is little room for ambiguity. By focusing on explicit communication, I’ve seen these students flourish in ways that might not have been possible with more conventional teaching methods.

In my experience, this approach also fosters a sense of trust between teacher and student. When students know exactly what is expected of them and can rely on their teacher to communicate clearly, they feel more secure and supported in their learning environment. This is particularly important for autistic individuals, who may already experience heightened sensitivity to changes or uncertainties in their surroundings.

Parallels with Legal Communication

Interestingly, the need for explicitness in communication extends beyond neurodivergent students. In my teaching practice, I’ve also worked with lawyers, and I’ve found that the level of precision required in teaching them is surprisingly similar to that of autistic students. Lawyers, by the nature of their profession, are trained to scrutinize language, dissect information, and demand clarity in every statement. Vague or imprecise communication is simply not tolerated.

Just as with autistic students, lawyers need things broken down explicitly. Every term, every instruction must be precise, and there is little room for assumption or inference. The smallest misunderstanding can lead to confusion or misinterpretation, which in legal contexts can have significant consequences. While the stakes may differ between yoga practice and legal cases, the approach to communication remains strikingly similar.

Both groups require an environment where every instruction is laid out clearly, with no hidden meaning or implied expectations. This demand for explicit communication ensures that all parties are on the same page and can move forward with confidence in their understanding.

The Broader Need for Explicitness in Teaching

What these parallels highlight is a broader truth about teaching: all students benefit from explicit communication, regardless of their background or profession. While some may be able to fill in gaps on their own or infer meaning from less direct instructions, relying on this can lead to misunderstandings and hinder learning.

In any teaching context—whether it’s in a yoga studio, a classroom, or a boardroom—the role of the teacher is to ensure that the student fully understands the material. This means being clear, precise, and methodical in how we convey information. It means not assuming that students will “figure it out” on their own, but instead providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

For teachers, this requires a shift in mindset. We must move away from the idea that ambiguity or implied meaning is acceptable in instruction. Instead, we should embrace explicit communication as a way to foster better understanding and create a more supportive learning environment.

Building Trust Through Clear Communication

Another key benefit of explicit communication is that it builds trust between teacher and student. When students know that their teacher will communicate clearly, they are more likely to feel comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, and engaging deeply with the material. This is especially true for students who may struggle with ambiguous or unclear instructions, such as autistic individuals or those new to a subject.

In my experience, when I take the time to break down instructions, clarify expectations, and ensure that there is no room for misunderstanding, my students are more engaged and more confident in their learning. They know that I have their best interests in mind and that I am committed to their success.

Conclusion: The Power of Explicit Communication

Teaching is not just about sharing information; it’s about ensuring that information is understood. The importance of explicit communication cannot be overstated, whether working with autistic students, lawyers, or anyone else. By embracing clear, step-by-step instruction, we create an environment where students feel supported, confident, and capable of success.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or needs, have the opportunity to thrive. Through explicit communication, we can provide the clarity they need to learn effectively, and in doing so, we foster trust, understanding, and growth.