How to Give Directions
Getting from point A to B can be easy - with helpful directions from you, of course.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
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Name permanent landmarks, such as stoplights, bridges and railroad tracks.
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Be redundant ' give street names in addition to landmarks.
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Add warnings to your directions. Name places that will be seen if one goes too far, and mention confusing intersections.
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Consider giving distances in miles between streets and landmarks.
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Provide your phone number with the directions in case the person gets lost, despite your best efforts to guide him.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are sending out invitations and need to print directions, provide a map in addition to written instructions. Include little pictures of the landmarks on your map.
Bad directions are worse than no directions. If you don't know how to direct someone to the place they're going, don't try.
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
mark-the-harp
Mar 24, 2009
If you're doing this verbally, do a quick summary first - ie, there are three things you need to do - get on the x road, turn off at y and then find the house when you get to z. That way if people know the first one or two parts of the route they will be able to let you know how much detail they need. Also it helps prepare them. Then give the detail. Then give a summary. -
mark-the-harp
Mar 24, 2009
If you're doing this verbally, do a quick summary first - ie, there are three things you need to do - get on the x road, turn off at y and then find the house when you get to z. That way if people know the first one or two parts of the route they will be able to let you know how much detail they need. Also it helps prepare them. Then give the detail. Then give a summary.
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KangaNRoo
Mar 23, 2009
I like the suggestion to add pics of landmarks with invitations! I think I'll do that this summer for a birthday party I'm throwing! Thanks!
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KangaNRoo
Mar 23, 2009
I like the suggestion to add pics of landmarks with invitations! I think I'll do that this summer for a birthday party I'm throwing! Thanks!
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ErnestCT
Jun 30, 2008
Always put the landmark first, then the change of course: "At the Town Hall, turn right onto Depot Road."
