12 September 2024
Clarity is King: Lessons from the Berlin Airport
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that clarity in communication is far from easy. Everyone thinks they’re being clear. I think we've all been there - you send an email or give a presentation, only to discover later that it caused confusion or wasn't as clear as you thought.
A couple of years ago, while traveling to Germany, I used the Berlin Airport website’s simplified version and was amazed by its clarity and straightforwardness. It made me realize: this is how we should all be communicating. Straight to the point, no room for misinterpretation.
Here are a few things that really struck me:
#1
Explaining the basics
"This website uses simple language. Simple language is easy to understand."
I love how they define their approach upfront.
#2
Attention to detail
"Berlin Brandenburg Airport has 2 terminals. The terminals are called: T1 and T2. The letter T stands for terminal."
Never underestimate the power of explaining the obvious. Sometimes, it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference in clarity.
#3
Accessibility for all
"This page contains information about accessibility. Accessibility means: Barrier-free.”
I love it. And I also love that, in this case, the language itself is barrier-free.
#4
Clear previews
“Our website contains:
• Information about the airport
• Information about flying
• Information about things to do at the airport. For example, information on shops and restaurants.
• Information on help available at the airport.”
They tell you exactly what you'll find on the page, upfront and center.
Whether we’re talking with clients, teams, or colleagues—let’s aim for that level of simplicity and precision. It’s harder than it seems, but hey, if a German airport can do it, so can we!
Check out the Berlin Airport website’s simplified version here.
Back to journal
Clarity is King: Lessons from the Berlin Airport
Back to journal
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that clarity in communication is far from easy. Everyone thinks they’re being clear. I think we've all been there - you send an email or give a presentation, only to discover later that it caused confusion or wasn't as clear as you thought.
A couple of years ago, while traveling to Germany, I used the Berlin Airport website’s simplified version and was amazed by its clarity and straightforwardness. It made me realize: this is how we should all be communicating. Straight to the point, no room for misinterpretation.
Here are a few things that really struck me:
#1
Explaining the basics
"This website uses simple language. Simple language is easy to understand."
I love how they define their approach upfront.
#2
Attention to detail
"Berlin Brandenburg Airport has 2 terminals. The terminals are called: T1 and T2. The letter T stands for terminal."
Never underestimate the power of explaining the obvious. Sometimes, it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference in clarity.
#3
Accessibility for all
"This page contains information about accessibility. Accessibility means: Barrier-free.”
I love it. And I also love that, in this case, the language itself is barrier-free.
#4
Clear previews
“Our website contains:
• Information about the airport
• Information about flying
• Information about things to do at the airport. For example, information on shops and restaurants.
• Information on help available at the airport.”
They tell you exactly what you'll find on the page, upfront and center.
Whether we’re talking with clients, teams, or colleagues—let’s aim for that level of simplicity and precision. It’s harder than it seems, but hey, if a German airport can do it, so can we!
Check out the Berlin Airport website’s simplified version here.
Back to journal