The ACC communication approach

Why being clear is only part of the job

You know what you meant. The other person may have heard a different priority, deadline or request. Kevin’s ACC approach gives you three checks to bring those interpretations closer together.

Assume Nothing

Ask what the other person knows, what they need and how they see the situation. Silence, a nod or a confident reply is not proof of understanding. Non-verbal signals can prompt a question; they cannot tell you exactly what someone thinks.

Clarify Everything

Use concrete words. Explain the purpose, the request and any important limits. Replace vague expressions such as “soon” or “a better version” with the specific action or standard you mean.

Check For Understanding

Invite the other person to describe the next step in their own words. Make this a check of your explanation, not a test of their intelligence. If the interpretations differ, clarify and check again.

Worked example: ending a meeting

Illustrative situation: “Can you get the proposal sorted?” leaves the owner, contents and deadline open to interpretation.

Apply ACC: Ask what is already prepared. Clarify: “Please send me the two-page proposal with the revised cost by 3pm on Thursday.” Check: “So I know I have explained it clearly, what are you taking away as the next step?”

Worked example: presenting a recommendation

Illustrative situation: A detailed presentation ends without the audience knowing whether a decision is needed.

Apply ACC: Find out what the audience already knows. State the decision you are asking for, explain the relevant evidence and identify the next action. Ask what questions remain before they decide.

Worked example: a difficult conversation

Illustrative situation: A manager says, “You need to communicate better,” but the employee does not know what behaviour to change.

Apply ACC: Ask for their view of a specific incident. Explain the observed behaviour and its effect without guessing their intentions. Agree a concrete next step and ask each person to summarise what they have understood.

A short checklist for your next conversation

1. What am I assuming about this person’s knowledge or intentions?
2. What is the one thing they need to understand or do?
3. Which words could mean something different to them?
4. How will we check our understanding before moving on?

These are illustrative examples of the method, not client case studies or claims about measured outcomes.

Common questions