ADHD Communication: Brevity & Clarity

In this episode of ADHD Support Talk Radio, co-hosts Lynne Edris and Tara McGillicuddy dive into the everyday struggle so many adults with ADHD face: being brief and clear when they communicate.

From rambling stories and “novel-length” emails to the fear of being misunderstood, they explore why ADHD brains tend to overexplain and how it can affect relationships, productivity, and confidence.

You’ll learn why "brevity = clarity", how to find that sweet spot between “too much” and “not enough,” and what simple, ADHD-friendly habits can make your communication more effective — at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

What You’ll Learn

• Why ADHD brains struggle to prioritize and filter information
• The hidden role of rejection sensitivity and fear of misunderstanding
• How overexplaining affects credibility, relationships, and time
• What “brevity equals clarity” really means (and how to practice it)
• ADHD-friendly tools and techniques for clearer communication — from bottom-lining your emails to using AI as a clarity check

Key Moments

• [00:02:00] Why long-winded communication frustrates both sides
• [00:03:15] “Brevity equals clarity” — Lynne’s golden rule
• [00:06:30] Overexplaining vs. not giving enough information 
• [00:10:10] Verbal impulsivity, divergent thinking, and how ADHD affects expression
• [00:13:24] Rejection sensitivity and the urge to overexplain
• [00:15:33] Bottom-lining your messages for clarity
• [00:17:09] How AI tools like ChatGPT can help you edit or clarify
• [00:20:49] Awareness and practice — the first steps toward clearer communication

Visit these links for more support and resources:

·         Lynne Edris – https://www.coachingadvantages.com

·         Tara McGillicuddy – https://www.TaraMcGillicuddy.com

·         Free ADHD resources – https://www.ADDclasses.com

·         ADHD Support Talk Radio – https://www.ADHDsupporttalk.com

·         ADHD Support Talk Facebook Group: 

Let us know what Brevity & Clarity means to you by joining the ADHD Support Talk Radio Community in our Facebook Group or commenting on the show page.

Podcast Co-Host Lynne Edris helps overwhelmed professionals take control of their time and tackle their to-dos with ease so they have more time, more energy, and more money for what they love most! As a woman with ADHD herself, she has been where her clients are and come out the other side, so to speak. She’s gone from living in a constant state of chaos and under-performance to a life full of success and fulfillment, and wants to help you achieve your version of success as well! Take Lynne's quick quiz to get your personalized productivity profile with customized results and recommendations at www.ProductivityBreakthroughQuiz.com. You can learn more about Lynne and contact her through her website at www.CoachingADDvantages.com. 

Co-Host Tara McGillicuddy is described by those who know her - clients, fellow leaders, and community - as dedicated to the deep, soulful, energetic-level shifts required by life. Whether she's helping to SEE your life more clearly, identify where you're stuck, tuning into sacred energies OR she's helping to build a practical life with tools, structure, physical help and precise action steps, she is committed to giving everything she knows to help you live your best life and to feel fulfilled by it.

Tara has been known and celebrated in the ADHD community for decades of practical and long-lasting shifts in tens of thousands in her communities. The creator of ADDClasses.com, The ADHD Awareness Expo and ADHD Support Talk Radio Tara is one of the longest-standing leaders in the field. Over the years she has also honed her natural skills as an empath. https://www.taramcgillicuddy.com/

ADHD Support Talk Radio is an award winning Podcast for Adults with ADD / ADHD. Co-hosts Tara McGillicuddy and Lynne Edris are joined by Adult ADHD experts and they cover important topics related to Adult ADD / ADHD. Podcast guests include Dr. Edward Hallowell, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, Dr. Ari Tuckman, Laurie Dupar, Terry Matlen and many more.

Tara McGillicuddy is the Producer, Owner and Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Tara with general questions or feedback about the podcast,

Lynne Edris is the Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Lynne with feedback about her episodes or if you are interested in having her interview you as a guest.

https://adhdsupporttalk.com/about-podcast/

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