"考えられる以上に明確に自分を表現しないでください。"

The essence of this quote is about being genuine and ensuring your words reflect the clarity of your thoughts. It's a reminder that if your thinking is muddled, any attempt to communicate with precision and clarity is likely to fail. In simpler terms, don't try to sound smarter or clearer than you actually are—your words should match the clarity of your mind.

Historically, this advice has roots in philosophical traditions that emphasize clear thinking as a precursor to clear communication. It’s about honesty with oneself and others. If your thoughts are confused, your speech or writing will be too, regardless of how eloquent you try to be. This principle can be traced back to thinkers like Socrates and later philosophers who valued clear, logical thought as the foundation of effective communication.

Imagine you’re in a business meeting. You’ve got an idea you think could revolutionize the project, but it’s still half-baked. Instead of rushing to present it with fancy words and complex jargon to impress your colleagues, you take a step back. You jot down your thoughts, organize them, and ensure you fully understand your own idea. Only then do you present it, with clear, concise language that matches the clarity you've achieved in your mind. That’s how this advice plays out in real life: your colleagues understand you, appreciate your clarity, and are more likely to get on board with your idea.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Here’s a straightforward approach: before speaking or writing, take a moment to think. Ask yourself if you understand what you’re about to express. If you’re unsure, pause and gather your thoughts. Don’t rush to communicate something you haven’t fully grasped yourself. It’s better to take a moment to clarify your thinking than to risk miscommunication.

Let’s make this more relatable with a story. Picture a student named Jamie. Jamie’s in a literature class and has just read a complex poem. The teacher asks for interpretations, and Jamie’s peers start giving elaborate analyses filled with sophisticated language. Jamie feels pressure to contribute something equally impressive but realizes their understanding of the poem is still forming. Instead of rushing to speak, Jamie spends a few minutes organizing their thoughts. When Jamie finally speaks, the explanation is simple but clear and honest. The teacher and classmates appreciate this clarity and honesty more than the convoluted responses. Jamie learns that it’s okay to take time to think things through and that clear expression starts with clear thinking.

In essence, this quote is a call for authenticity and patience in communication. It's about aligning your words with your thoughts and recognizing that clarity in expression comes from clarity in understanding. So next time you’re about to explain something, remember Jamie’s story. Take a breath, gather your thoughts, and speak as clearly as you think. Your honesty and clarity will resonate more than any forced eloquence ever could.