Most people use a mix-up of the basic direction-giving techniques, because it's simpler that way. Mixing landmarks and good ol' left-right is the default. As of now, I can't think of any others.
This is standard direction-giving technique: get out of the train, go up the stairs and on top you'll see a signboard saying 'West' and 'East' with arrows pointing in the directions. Go west. Once you get out of the station, go straight until you see a McDonalds. At the McDonalds, which should be on your left, take a right and go down that main road until you come across a large mall on your left with a United Colours of Benetton sign all over it's face. This should be after 2 or 3 traffic signals; it's hard to miss. After the mall, take the first right turn. The 2nd left in that road is where the building is. It's name is Happiness Villa, and the flat is on the 2nd floor, on the left as you come out of the lift.
Confusing as it may seem in one lump, it's much easier when told in installments over the phone, or even if simply written down in point form. It, in a nutshell, should do, for those who are not geographically challenged.
There is always a group of people who are awful at directions. Or, to state it bluntly, there is always a group of people who do not understand and cannot give simple directions as well as you do and can. You have experienced trying times with these people. Everyone has. Even these people have experienced trying times with you.
Hello, I'm in such-and-such place and there are no shops ANYWHERE. There is a building which is under construction and does not have a name. I'm roughly 100 metres from the location where I was earlier. Since you know that place, how do I get to your house from where I am right now?
Or
Hey, we're going to meet tomorrow at Coffee Shop #1. It's right next to Coffee Shop#2, in This General Area. See you!
I mean, really. Landmarks tell you where you are, or where to pause. Landmarks are points in a Cartesian plane. Directions are vectors, or, in simpler language, lines, which go from point to point. Directions are the vines on which you swing from tree to landmarkian tree to reach your ultimate destination.
All this, of course, is a moot point if you wish to be lost. Always fun, that.
