Summarize the following:
When giving directions, don’t rush. Enunciate every word you say. Take time to explain important factors like potential hazards or detours. If you don’t speak slowly and clearly, the person may get confused or may miss an important piece of information. Use the names of roads as they’re marked on street signs and road maps. Avoid using road names only used by locals. In addition, don’t refer to people’s homes as landmarks. Any examples you use should be ones that can be recognizable to someone from outside your community. Even if all locals know the highway as the “Parkway East,” refer to it as “I-376 East,” which is what the road signs read. Even if you think they might be a bit familiar with the place, give directions as if the person knows nothing of local landmarks, main roads, or even the names of roads. Provide all of the information they need to get to their destination. They can always let you know if you’re giving more detail than is necessary. Avoid things like “Remember where Joe’s old house was? You’ll turn right after that” and go with “You’ll turn right at the stoplight onto 11th Street, which comes about half a block past where Joe used to live.” Be direct and ask "Do you have any questions about the route?" Asking will allow the person to clarify any part of the route they might not fully understand. In addition, it will give them the opportunity to ask you for the location of any other places they may be interested in visiting. Suggest that the person summarize the directions you’ve just given to them. This way, you’ll be able to make sure that they understood you completely. Then, if they did misunderstand or mis-hear you, you’ll be able to correct them. If they seem to be struggling with the directions you’ve given in “route perspective” form, consider trying “survey perspective” instead — that is, replacing visual landmarks with mileages and north, south, etc.
Speak slowly and clearly. Avoid using words, phrases, or names that only locals will know. Don’t assume the person knows anything about the area. Ask the person if they have any questions. Request that they repeat the directions to you.