You should know how to give good directions, no matter what you are telling someone to do.It's more complicated to give directions than it is to tell someone how to get there.To give good directions, you need to present the information in a way that is suited to how the other person processes information.Some people do better with specific mileages while others don't.In order to help the person reach their destination, you have to communicate effectively and pick the most appropriate route.
Step 1: You can picture yourself going along the route with them.
Route perspective focuses on describing what you will see along the way and the travel time between these landmarks, which is how most people follow directions best.Think of how you would point out the route if you were in the car or walking with the person.Think of it as directing them from landmark to landmark.
Step 2: Tell the person about landmarks that are hard to miss.
The person will be given an idea of the progress they are making.They will let the person know if they are still on the path you told them to take.landmarks draw attention to each segment of the overall route that they are trying to follow.For instance, if you go this way for a few minutes until the old post office with the big metal dome is on your left, then turn left and go for 5 minutes to see Mcdonalds and Wendy's right across from each other.
Step 3: Something is on the left or right of the road.
Don't assume that the person knows what side of the road is where they want to go.If they want to avoid getting lost, they should always specify which side of the street they need to turn on.Make sure to look on your left for the gas station with the tiger statue above the sign.
Step 4: Travel time estimates for the whole trip and each component.
The whole trip will take a certain amount of time.Determine how long certain segments of the trip will take.This will let the person know when they need to take a turn or merge onto a different road.Let the person know that they should be able to get to their destination in a certain amount of time.Tell them how long they will be on specific roads before they make a turn.The entire trip takes about 10 minutes.You will turn left and go for about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Share a mental map of the route.
Some people are better at reading maps than others, and these people tend to do better when given directions that are the same as looking at a map.Go north on Hamilton for a little over 3 miles, then head east on Church Street.
Step 6: The distance should be specified from point to point.
You should include units of distance in your directions.For example, specify how many miles or kilometers the person will stay on a specific road before turning or getting to their destination.Even though the exact distance between them varies, a rough estimate is better than no estimate at all.
Step 7: Refer to the directions given to you.
When you explain a route to someone in a survey perspective, it is a good idea to give them north, south, east, and west directions.Many road signs, like the U.S. interstates, indicate a cardinal direction, and even people who do better with route perspective have a vehicle with a digital compass.Go south for half a mile after turning right at the light onto 5th street.
Step 8: You can draw a map.
You can sketch out the route for someone who understands directions better if you have trouble communicating them.A map will let the person see where they are going.You can include the location of landmarks on your map.The map will give the person something to hold on to, so they don't forget your directions.The map doesn't need to be scaled, but you should use a general map orientation and write in general mileages.
Step 9: Explain the route based on where the person is going.
You need to ask the person where they are coming from before you give directions.The specifics of your directions will be dependent on which way they are headed.This isn't an issue if a stranger stops you on the street, but it is important to know whether your mother-in-law will be leaving from her house or her office in the next town over.
Step 10: The simplest route is given.
It's tempting to give someone directions to your favorite shortcut, but it could end up doing more harm than good.The simplest directions are the most likely to confuse the person.You can minimize the chance that someone will get lost by giving them directions.Favor routes with less turns even if they take a bit longer.The person can stay on one road for a long time.Pick routes that are easy to navigate.
Step 11: The safest route is shared.
Give the safest route if there are several alternatives that are dangerous.A person who is not familiar with the area will not be aware of the dangers they will be driving through.Threats to the person's safety can be taken into account.The winding back road may save you five minutes, but you have driven that road many times and know all the curves and twists.
Step 12: You should not suggest routes you haven't taken.
You should only focus on routes that you are familiar with.If you give incorrect directions, the person could get lost.It's a good idea to give directions for routes that you are familiar with, rather than trying to describe a different route.Skip "Well, my buddy goes this way..." and stick with "I've gone that way many times, even if it takes a few minutes longer..."
Step 13: Speak to the person about the route.
Inform the person in detail if there is a tricky part of the route.Tell them when to expect the confusing part of the route.There are roads that merge with little notice.
Step 14: Speak clearly and slowly.
Don't rush when giving directions.Emphasize every word you say.Take time to explain important factors.The person may get confused or miss an important piece of information if you speak slowly and clearly.
Step 15: Don't use words, phrases, or names that only locals know.
The names of roads are marked on street signs and road maps.Don't use road names that are only used by locals.Don't refer to people's homes as landmarks.You should use examples that are recognizable to someone outside your community.The highway is referred to as "I-376 East" by the road signs.
Step 16: Don't assume the person knows anything.
Give directions as if the person doesn't know anything about the place, even if they are a bit familiar with it.Provide the information they need to get there.If you give more detail than is necessary, they can let you know.Remember where Joe's old house was?You will turn right at the stoplight onto 11th Street, which is half a block past where Joe used to live.
Step 17: The person should be asked if they have any questions.
Do you have any questions about the route?Asking will allow the person to clarify what they don't know.They can ask you for the location of any other places they are interested in visiting.
Step 18: Ask them to repeat the directions to you.
The person should summarize the directions you have just given them.You will be able to make sure that they understood you.You will be able to correct them if they misunderstand or mishear you.Replacing visual landmarks with mileages and north, south, etc. is known as a survey perspective, and it can help if they seem to be struggling with the directions you have given.