What does it mean to speak or write in a manner that is brief and to the point?

The term "succinct" describes communication that is expressed in a clear and concise manner, using few words while still effectively conveying the essential message. When someone speaks or writes succinctly, they avoid unnecessary elaboration or superfluous details, focusing instead on the core idea. This quality is often valued in both spoken and written communication, as it allows for efficient conveyance of thoughts and facilitates understanding.

The other options present different styles of communication. "Verbose" refers to using more words than necessary, which is the opposite of being succinct. "Ambiguous" indicates a lack of clarity, meaning the message may be open to multiple interpretations, which undermines directness. "Exhaustive" suggests thoroughness, where every conceivable detail is covered, leading to communication that may be overly lengthy. Thus, "succinct" is the most fitting choice for describing a brief and to-the-point manner of communication.