What does the term 'articulate' refer to in communication?

The term 'articulate' in communication primarily refers to the ability to express thoughts coherently. Being articulate means that an individual can convey their ideas clearly and effectively, allowing the listener to understand the message without confusion. This skill encompasses not only the clarity of speech but also the organization of thoughts and the appropriateness of language used for the audience. Effective communication hinges on this ability, as it facilitates constructive dialogue and minimizes misunderstandings.

In contrast, talking loudly might enhance visibility in some situations but does not ensure the clarity or coherence of the message being communicated. Being concise relates to expressing ideas in a brief manner, which is important, but it's possible to be concise yet unclear. Using complex vocabulary may impress some audiences but can lead to confusion and misinterpretation if the audience does not understand the terms being used. Thus, the essence of being articulate is fundamentally about clarity and coherence in expression.