There are mainly two ways to give directions: the "route method", which uses reference points, and the "orientation method", based on the cardinal points (North, South, West, East). The most convenient system to use depends on where you are and who you are giving directions to. Most of the time it is best to use a combination of the two ways. The most important thing, however, is to be short and clear!
Steps
Step 1. Think of the simplest path
Shortcuts can be quicker, but they can also be more complicated! If the person is lost or is not very able to orient himself, to start with, think about the most linear path, the one with the fewest turns. For example: "Turn left on Viale Roma, then right at the traffic lights, then go straight to the end of the street until you reach Corso Italia".
Step 2. Specify the distance
How much distance does that person have to cover along a given road? There are several ways to indicate it:
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How many blocks or side streets will it have to cross.
This system works better in the city than in the countryside, because in the city there are more cross streets to count, while in the village the space between the cross streets makes it easier to lose count and some driveways look like real streets. For example: "Follow this road past four side streets along the way".
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How many traffic lights will he have to pass.
This is a good method, but you have to calculate exactly the number of traffic lights! For example: "You must go through three traffic lights before turning left".
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Distance in miles or kilometers.
For example: "Continue for two kilometers on this road".
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How long will it take.
This method works best when the distance and travel time are short; for longer distances, your directions will be more or less inaccurate depending on how fast the person moves. For example: "It takes about five minutes on the road".
- Provide a "dead" point of reference. A "dead" point is a reference point that indicates to the person that they have gone too far and that they have passed the point where they should have turned. For example: "If you see the library, you have gone too far".
Step 3. Indicate the turns
If you are not in a simple intersection, with four intersections, please provide a few more details. For a more complex intersection, tell her to turn left or right. Indicate the street name and provide a reference point (a traffic light, a particular shop). If the person you are giving directions is oriented well with the cardinal points (North, South, West, East) and / or the city you are in has an orthogonal plan (with all the roads perpendicular, in an East-West direction or North-South, like the cardo and the decumanus of ancient Rome) also indicates the cardinal point. For example: "Turn left at the traffic lights onto Via Manzoni, heading east."
Step 4. Simplify and clarify directions
For example: "Turn left on Via della Repubblica" is better than "In Via della Repubblica, take left".
Step 5. Indicate on which side of the road the final destination is located
For example: "The post office is on the right side of the road".
Step 6. Warn the person about any unclear points on the route
For example, if the road joins another or only allows a right turn, if the road you have to take is narrow or poorly signposted, let them know first. If the point where you need to turn is a bit hidden and you know that people often make mistakes and get lost, give the person a "dead" point of reference, so that they realize that they have passed the point where they should have turned. For example: "Before the turning the two roads join and Via Roma becomes Via della Repubblica, but you also go straight on along Via della Repubblica".
Step 7. Briefly describe the entire path
Remember to be as concise as possible. An overload of details can be counterproductive and create further confusion. For example: "Turn left on Via Garibaldi, then at the second traffic light turn right and go straight for about two kilometers until you reach Corso Italia. Turn left and walk along Corso Italia for about three minutes, pass the theater and turn immediately to the right. The post office is the third building on the left. If you see the library, you have gone further."
Step 8. Have your directions repeated
You can also write them in a piece of paper, but in any case make sure that the person understands them and knows how to follow them correctly. For example: "So you said to turn left on Via Garibaldi, then at the second traffic light turn right and go straight for about two kilometers until you get to Corso Italia. So I have to turn left and go along Corso Italia for about three minutes., pass the theater and immediately turn right. The post office is the third building on the left. If I see the library, I went over. " If he gives you such an answer, he has understood everything correctly.
Advice
- Start by providing the address of the destination and make sure the person has memorized it correctly. Knowing the exact address of the destination is the best way to find it when you get lost, because you can always ask someone else or use other resources.
- Don't give too much information. You would only create more confusion. Focus on essential information only.
- Use concise and precise language. Avoid using unclear or ambiguous terms, you could confuse your interlocutor.
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Not scream!
Speak calmly and calmly, clearly and at a slow pace, so that the person has time to understand what to do and follow your directions safely. Speaking excitedly would put her on edge, putting her safety on the road at risk.
- Using the names of shops or buildings is not always a good idea, as shops may be closed and buildings may have changed names or been torn down.
- To give directions, women tend to use landmarks, while men tend to use spatial directions and distances.
- If you are in a car and giving directions to the person driving, don't show the index and say things like "Go over there!" or "There it is!". It is not easy to drive and at the same time pay attention to you pointing out places in this way. Instead, your directions should look like this: "It's on the left, half a block away", or "At the next intersection, turn right."
- If you are on foot, also use gestures to clarify your words, making signals with your hands and making sure that the person has taken the right direction you indicated. The more senses you use, the more the person will be able to remember your directions.
- If you are driving, pay attention to the lane you are traveling on. If at some point you need to turn right and you are in the left lane, tell them well in advance so that you can gradually move to the right lane and turn safely.
- If you have pen and paper, draw a simple map of the route.
