Giving directions

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I work at an amusement park. It’s a fun job and I have made 2 really good friends. I have also become much more comfortable in crowds, but I have problems with some of my responsibilities. I have never been very good at giving directions, and one of my new jobs this year is directing people to rides. I don’t walk them to the rides I just tell them.

Problem:

I’m not sure if I should just say (1) go strait go left turn here or if I should (2) tell them what it looks like where hey turn or certain buildings they will be passing on the way. Which method do mot people understand?

There is no one method of giving directions that most people understand. Some need words; others need to be shown; still others need to have a diagram drawn for them. Some navigate by intersections and coordinates; others by landmarks.

Your best bet is to start with the method you know best and if they're still confused, ask them if they'd rather be shown the landmarks, or have you draw a sketch.

Pat, who had both given and gotten directions.

I recommend using a mix of "straight, left, right" and landmarks, so people will know where to actually turn. For instance, you could say something like this. "Start out by turning right, and keep going straight. When you see a reflecting pool with little fountains, turn right again. Go about 200 feet until you see a big pine tree. Go around it and look for a sign that says 'food court.' Once you see it, you're there." This is how I would give it, and most people should find this style understandable.

On a personal note, when I give directions in the city, I say "north, south, east, west", rather than "straight, left, right". Some people find this confusing, but I tell them which way is north after giving complete directions. I guess it happens because I visualize a map in my head and "draw" the route right on it, rather than think out how the route would be on the streets.

I operate directionally by way of left and right in regards to routes. I tend to hardly ever get lost, and I can memorize familiar routes with ease. I also use landmarks in some cases, though depending on the familiarity of the area.

I imagine most amusement parks have maps. Get one, if they have one. Show them to people and instruct them accordingly. That would be what I'd tend to do. There is no surefire way on giving someone directions.

- Ray M -

My own method is a little strange. I give directions based on experiences I had in certain places. I like you idea to draw a sketch, i do have the whole park memorized and sketching is easy for me. thanks!

I tend to use the good old left/right/straight on method. Works for me, usually.