The Curse of Knowledge is a phenomenon that is part of human nature and the root cause of innumerable communication problems. The basic idea is this: the more we know about a subject, the harder it becomes for us to imagine what it’s like not to know. Our knowledge curses us and interferes with...

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The goal of explanation is to help others understand a new idea. It seems so simple, but looking closely, you’ll see high-impact explanations often require analysis and skill. The Explanation Scale is one simple tool to help target your explanations for the right audiences. Think about it like...

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Here is a statement that will sound blindingly obvious: Nearly everything we’re trying to do depends on understanding. That’s it. Here’s what I mean… In order to earn support for a new project, decision-makers need to understand what our project is and why it matters. In order for our team...

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Why did that presentation take so long? Why do leaves fall in the autumn? Why doesn’t this math equation add up? Every day we’re asked for explanations, or we find opportunities to help someone understand something new. It’s part of being a professional. We are all explainers from time to...

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When the time comes to sit down and work through an explanation, to write down the important points with the intention of making them clear, it can feel daunting. Often it helps to have a framework or guide that jumpstarts your thinking. Sometimes you need to shake up your approach and see the...

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First a quick definition: When we explain a subject or idea, we seek to make it clear and easy to understand for our audience. When they are done well, explanations help people see an idea from a new, more informed perspective. Explanations make information useful. It’s a really simple concept...

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