"Timmy has a boat with a goat in a mote"
"Timmy has a goat on a boat in a mote"
"Timmy is in a boat with a goat"
"Timmy has a goat and a boat"
"Timmy is a goat with a boat"

We've all played the game "Pass It On" or "Telephone" when we were kids (at least I hope so, if not, well, I'm sorry but your upbringing must have been devoid of rainbows, unicorns, G.I.Joe, HubbaBubba and awkward haircuts). Nothing better illustrates the idea of deteriorating communication and the difficulty of conveying ideas and concepts verbally than that simple childhood game. Often as designers, we believe that our communication is by default, infused with obvious and universally understood meaning. But we -- like everyone else -- speak the language that we know, not the one our listeners need to hear.

The key to communication -- to get what you need to generate a success idea, execute targeted concepts and sell those to the client -- is to make sure that what you say and what you hear are translated with accurate intent. In most cases simplicity rules, except when it comes to communication.

Guided Questioning
The key isn't getting a client to speak your language but for you to ask the questions that will provide you the evidence to what their language intent is. Direct the client toward input and feedback that will help you in formulating goals and solutions. You can't always easily interpret the meaning of what someone is implying, but there are guidelines you can use to coerce your client toward answers that will help you. So, before you start your ideas and concepts ask a series of easy to answer questions that require the client to clarify their needs. Ask the client to provide keywords, themes, information on their competition, their likes and dislikes in design, functionality and content.

Active Listening
Pay attention. Sometimes your client is telling you exactly what they want, but you've become so accustomed to the vernacular and jargon of your own industry that you can't see the obvious when its at your doorstep. Sometimes the subtly can be overlooked. When they say "make the logo bigger" determine that this isn't a visual statement, but a hierarchical one. It means, make sure our brand is visible, prominent and obvious -- not lost in the clutter of design and information.

Repeat and Clarify
There is a common exercise with newly married couples to teach good listening and interaction; I'll call it "the rock". While one person speaks his or her mind they hold the rock; which means the other person must be quiet and listen. When that person is done the rock is passed to the other who must open with "What I heard you saying was..."; in which they repeat what the person said and how the interpreted it. The process repeats back and forth, teaching active listening and clear communication, killing assumptions. Be sure to pass the rock with your client.

Implement
The preliminary process of questions and answers weed out generic, open language and communication, helping you to determine if you can fulfill the clients needs. You may find that hoping you can define their needs for them (in which case you need to run away as fast as you can). Alternately, you'll find you are able to decipher your clients industry specific lingo and use the information to begin the conceptual process.