At one time you may be asked to give directions to a friend who wants to visit the house or guide a confused tourist on his way to a local museum. In fact, giving directions is more than just telling someone how to get to a certain location. In order for the directions to be well understood, you must explain them in the way the questioner processes the information. Some people will probably understand better if you explain the distance they have to travel to reach the location, while others are simply informed about the estimated time to get to where they want to go. Use effective communication methods and choose the easiest route to ensure that the person asking the question won't get confused and get lost.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Giving Directions Using Landmarks and Travel Time
Step 1. Imagine yourself traveling a route to a location with them
Most people find it easier to follow directions that are explained based on what they will see along the route (route perspective) and the time it takes to travel from one landmark to the next. If you are in a car or walking with this person, think about how you would indicate the route to take, for example “Turn right after the big church at the end and we'll walk down that road for about 5 minutes…” and use this method to help you guide the way.
It would be better if you provide directions from one landmark to another rather than directly explaining the route from start to finish
Step 2. Show him the landmarks that are important and won't be missed
With the landmark, the questioner will get an idea of the progress. Plus, the landmarks will show him that he didn't go the wrong way. Finally, the landmarks will keep him focused on each segment of the entire route to take.
- So, for example you could say: “You will walk this way for about 2 minutes until you see an old post office with a metal domed roof on the left; then turn left and walk again for another 5 minutes until you see McDonald's and Wendy's on the left and right of the road…”
- Some of the possible landmarks include: historical buildings, signs, or monuments; churches, mosques, or other places of worship; large businesses such as convenience stores or car dealerships; geographic/environmental features such as hills or rivers; existing structures on highways such as bridges or forks.
Step 3. Explain whether the landmark is on the left or right side of the road
Don't assume that the questioner knows to turn left or right, where the road markings are, or where to go. In order not to get lost, indicate in which direction he should turn or where he should look for the intended landmark.
For example, say, “Look for the gas station on the left. There's a tiger statue above the signboard, "don't just say "turn once you find a gas station with a tiger statue."
Step 4. Give an estimate of the time it will take to cover the entire route and each of its components
Determine how long it will take him to travel to get to his destination and determine how long it will take him to reach certain segments. This information will give him an idea of when he should get ready to make a turn or move to a different road.
- Tell him if he drives at normal speed, he will reach his destination in a certain time.
- If he has to turn, tell him the distance he has to cover before he has to turn.
- For example, “You have to take this road for about 10 minutes before turning left and drive again for about 3 minutes until…”
Method 2 of 4: Mapping Distance and Compass Direction
Step 1. Draw a route map in mind and explain it to him
Some people can read maps better than others and they will understand directions more easily if you explain them as if they were looking at a map. This is called the “survey perspective”. These people are very adept at “finding the right location” and can determine where north is without a compass, and have a good “estimate” of how far they have just traveled, say 3 km.
In this case, the directions given are usually something like this: “Take north from Nagreg. Continue straight until approximately 5 km. Once you reach the Fork Road, turn east…”
Step 2. Give an estimate of the distance from one point to another
Don't forget to provide distance units in each clue. For example, state how many meters or kilometers he must be on a certain road before turning or arriving at his destination.
- Intersections and toll exits can also be used as a unit of distance, although the distance between one intersection/toll gate and the next varies, for example “Straight north. After passing two crossroads, turn west and enter the highway. Exit at the fourth toll booth…”
- A rough estimate is better than no perspective on the distance from one point to another.
Step 3. Use the cardinal directions
Even though you've mentioned whether something is on the right or left, it would be better if you also provide cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) when explaining the route to people who have a better understanding of the survey perspective. This information will also be helpful for people who prefer a route perspective (following landmarks) as they often have a vehicle or smartphone equipped with a digital compass, and there is always a chance that you will come across road signs that use the cardinal directions as a guide.
So, say: “Turn right at the red light onto Jalan Cempaka, keep going north for about half a kilometer until you reach Jalan Bira…”
Step 4. Make a map
If you're having trouble explaining the directions in words to someone who's better at reading maps, sketch out a route for them. The map allows the person to visualize where he is going. You can also enter details, such as the location of landmarks, on the map. In addition, the map can be saved and re-read if he forgets any of the details.
This emergency map doesn't need to be to an exact scale, but you should write down the approximate distance traveled and use the usual orientation for maps, which is north at the top
Method 3 of 4: Choosing the Right Route to Explain
Step 1. Describe the route based on where the person is from
Before you start giving directions, ask him where he's from. This information is important because the details you provide in the instructions will depend on which direction it is headed.
This information may not be necessary if you're giving directions to a stranger who stops you on the road, but it's important to know if you want to guide your mother-in-law in another city (e.g. she's leaving home or work) so that you can provide the correct information
Step 2. Give the simplest route
It may be tempting to give you directions using your favorite shortcut, but doing so could potentially get you in trouble. Preferably, give the simplest route and won't confuse the questioner. That way, you're less likely to get lost. Consider the following when you want to create a simple route:
- Choose the route with the fewest turns, even if the journey takes longer.
- Focus on routes that allow the person to stay on one road for a long time.
- Choose a route that doesn't go through confusing intersections, roundabouts, or bypasses.
Step 3. Choose the safest route
If there are several alternative routes and some are very dangerous, provide the safest route. As someone unfamiliar with the area, he may not have realized what danger awaited him. Consider the risks that could threaten his safety when giving directions, whether it's treacherous terrain, narrow roads, or high-crime neighborhoods.
The twisty alternative roads might save you 5 minutes over the toll roads, but you've been on them many times and know every twist and turns it has, and he doesn't
Step 4. Never suggest a route that you haven't tried yourself
Focus on routes you know well. Otherwise, you run the risk of giving the wrong clues and leading them astray. Keep the following rule of thumb in mind when giving directions: give a route you know well, don't suggest shortcuts or other routes you don't know.
Avoid hints like, “My friend often goes down this road…” and try to say, “I've been down this road many times, even if it's a few minutes longer…”
Step 5. Give him a warning if any part of the route is confusing
If any part of the route you suggest is particularly complicated, provide a detailed explanation. Also, provide information on when (either by time or distance) he or she will encounter that confusing part of the route. Some characteristics that can cause confusion include:
- Roads that converge almost without warning
- Very faint turn
- roundabout
Method 4 of 4: Communicating Effectively
Step 1. Speak slowly and clearly
Don't be in a hurry when giving directions. Pronounce every word you say clearly. Spend more time explaining important factors such as potential hazards or detours. If you speak in a hurry, the questioner may get confused or miss important information.
Step 2. Do not use words, phrases, or names that are only used by local residents
Use street names that match the names on the signage or street map. Avoid street names used only by local residents. Also, avoid using other people's houses as landmarks. Choose details that can be recognized by people who are not from the area around the place.
For example, almost everyone in Jakarta knows where the Kuningan area is, but if you are giving directions to visitors from outside Jakarta, use Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said
Step 3. Don't assume the questioner knows everything about the area
Even if you think he seems familiar with the place, give directions as if he doesn't know anything about landmarks, main roads, or even local street names. Provide all the information needed to get him to his destination. He will let you know if you provide information he already knows well.
Don't say something like, “Remember Pak Joko's old house? Well, turn right after that." Instead, say "Turn right at the red light and enter Jalan Pari, about 500 meters from the house where Pak Joko used to live."
Step 4. Ask him if he wants to ask something
Just ask "Are there any questions about the explanation earlier?" In this way, you give him the opportunity to clarify parts he may not fully understand. In addition, you also give him the opportunity to ask about other locations he might want to visit.
Step 5. Ask him to repeat the directions you gave
Suggest that he summarizes the clues just described. This way, you can make sure that he really understands. Plus, if there's a misunderstanding or he's misheard, you can fix it.
