Research · Definitions

Definitions and Glossary

The official terminology of the Institute and the Clario Method™. Version 1.0.

Action Signal Communication Signal: The degree to which a communication makes clear what must be done, by whom, and by when.
Source: CFP-002; CFP-003
Clario Meeting Review™ Application: An evidence-based Communication Effectiveness assessment of the communication contained within a meeting record (notes, transcript, summary, or minutes), scored across the Five Core Communication Signals using the Clario Scoring Scale.
Source: Clario Method™ Evaluation Methodology v1.0; CFP-002
Clario Method™ Core Concept: A structured, repeatable methodology developed by the Institute for Shared Understanding for intentionally creating, systematically evaluating, and continuously improving Communication Effectiveness through five observable dimensions: Purpose, Action, Decision, Tone, and Shared Understanding.
Source: CFP-001; CFP-002
Clario Score Scoring Standard: The sum of the five Communication Signal scores, expressed out of a maximum of 25 (5 signals × 5 points).
Source: Clario Method™ Evaluation Methodology v1.0
Clario Scoring Philosophy Scoring Standard: The Clario Method™ scores Communication Effectiveness, not perfection. A communication is assessed against what it is reasonably expected to achieve for its intended purpose, crediting strengths first and treating Present but Incomplete as the normal outcome for ordinary professional communication.
Source: Clario Method™ Evaluation Methodology v1.0
Clario Scoring Scale Scoring Standard: The official four-point decision scale used to score each Communication Signal: 0 = Missing, 1 = Weak, 3 = Present but Incomplete, 5 = Present and Effective. Scores of 2 and 4 are never permitted, displayed, calculated, or stored.
Source: Clario Method™ Evaluation Methodology v1.0
Clario Verification™ Verification: A structured assessment of whether Shared Understanding can be confirmed for a given communication, producing a Shared Understanding Confidence estimate, an evidence level, verification risk, readiness, and a recommended verification plan.
Source: CFP-004
Communication Effectiveness Core Concept: The degree to which a communication creates the Shared Understanding required to achieve its intended purpose.
Source: CFP-001; CFP-004
Communication Effectiveness (%) Scoring Standard: The Clario Score expressed as a percentage: Communication Effectiveness (%) = (Clario Score ÷ 25) × 100.
Source: Clario Method™ Evaluation Methodology v1.0
Communication Gap Core Concept: The distance between what a sender intended to communicate and what the receiver actually understood.
Source: CFP-003; CFP-002
Curse of Knowledge Cognitive Foundation: The cognitive bias in which a sender who knows something finds it difficult to imagine not knowing it, and therefore omits information the receiver needs.
Source: CFP-005; CFP-001
Decision Signal Communication Signal: The degree to which decisions are clearly stated, documented, and distinguishable from discussion, deferral, or open questions.
Source: CFP-002
Evidence Level Verification: A 1–5 rating of the strength of evidence available that Shared Understanding exists, from assumption (1) through acknowledgment, explanation, and demonstration, to independently verified outcome (5).
Source: CFP-004
Five Core Communication Signals Communication Signal: The five diagnostic dimensions through which the Clario Method™ evaluates whether a communication is likely to create the Shared Understanding required for its intended purpose: Purpose, Action, Decision, Tone, and Shared Understanding.
Source: CFP-002
Institute for Shared Understanding (IFSU) Institution: The independent institution that advances the science and practice of Shared Understanding through research, standards, education, and practical methodologies, and serves as steward of the Clario Method™ and its Body of Knowledge.
Source: theifsu.org
Interpretation Cognitive Foundation: The receiver-dependent process by which meaning is constructed from a communication using the receiver's own mental models, cultural assumptions, and interpretive frameworks.
Source: CFP-005
Purpose Signal Communication Signal: The degree to which a communication makes clear why it exists and what it is intended to achieve, so that the receiver can recognize its intent and relevance.
Source: CFP-002
Readiness Verification: The Clario Verification™ judgment of whether a communication can safely be acted upon: Ready for Implementation, Needs Clarification, Verification Recommended, or Not Ready.
Source: CFP-004
Shared Understanding Core Concept: The state in which the understanding constructed by the receiver is aligned with the intent of the sender to the degree required for the communication's purpose to be carried out successfully.
Source: CFP-004; CFP-002
Shared Understanding Confidence Verification: A 0–100 estimate of the likelihood that the receiver's understanding of a communication is aligned with the sender's intent, based on the evidence available.
Source: CFP-004
Shared Understanding Signal Communication Signal: The degree to which a communication makes it possible to confirm that the receiver's understanding is aligned with the sender's intent, including whether it invites, supports, or plans for verification.
Source: CFP-002; CFP-004
Tone Signal Communication Signal: The degree to which the tone of a communication supports, rather than undermines, the understanding and response it is intended to create.
Source: CFP-002
Verification Methods Verification: Structured techniques for obtaining evidence of Shared Understanding, including read-back, teach-back, written acknowledgment, follow-up meeting, knowledge check, practical demonstration, task completion, manager confirmation, observation, and peer explanation.
Source: CFP-004