We all want our conversations to be productive, whether we're collaborating on a work project, managing school tasks, or just talking with family. The secret to cutting through the noise and avoiding frustration often lies in direct communication. As Amy Marschall, PsyD, points out, being direct means delivering clear points and avoiding the kind of "looping around" that leaves everyone confused. However, simply being direct isn't enough; you must also be mindful of how your