Too Much Explanation? What's REALLY Going On?

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Post on Feb 14, 2025

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Too Much Explanation? What's REALLY Going On?

We've all been there. You're trying to explain something, whether it's a new project at work, a complicated recipe, or even just your day, and you find yourself drowning in a sea of details. You're meticulously explaining every single step, every single nuance, every single… well, everything. But instead of clarity, you're creating confusion. So, what's really going on when we over-explain? And how can we avoid it?

The Root of Over-Explanation: Fear and Insecurity

Often, over-explaining stems from a place of fear and insecurity. We worry that if we don't provide every single detail, we'll be misunderstood, judged, or even ridiculed. This fear can manifest in several ways:

• Need for validation: We might over-explain to seek approval or confirmation that we're doing things correctly.
• Lack of confidence: Over-explaining can be a way to compensate for a lack of confidence in our abilities or knowledge. By providing excessive detail, we try to convince ourselves (and others) that we're competent.
• Perfectionism: The desire to present a flawless explanation can lead to an overwhelming amount of information that ultimately obscures the main point.
• Misunderstanding the audience: Sometimes, we over-explain simply because we're not tailoring our explanation to our audience's level of understanding.

Recognizing the Signs of Over-Explanation

It's not always easy to recognize when you're over-explaining. However, here are some key signs:

• Losing your audience: Are people looking glazed over or checking their phones? That's a pretty clear indicator you've lost them.
• Rambling and digressions: Do you find yourself going off on tangents, adding unnecessary details that don't contribute to the main point?
• Repetitive explanations: Are you repeating yourself or explaining the same thing in multiple ways?
• Negative feedback: Have you received feedback that your explanations are too long or confusing?

The Art of Concise Communication: Less is More

The solution to over-explaining is to embrace concise communication. This doesn't mean being vague or dismissive; it means focusing on the essential information and delivering it clearly and efficiently. Here are some tips:

• Know your audience: Tailor your explanation to their existing knowledge and understanding.
• Identify the main point: Before you start explaining, determine the single most important thing you want your audience to understand.
• Structure your explanation: Use a clear and logical structure, such as a step-by-step approach or a cause-and-effect analysis.
• Use visuals: Diagrams, charts, and other visuals can help to simplify complex information.
• Practice active listening: Pay attention to your audience's questions and feedback, and adjust your explanation accordingly.
• Embrace the pause: Don't be afraid to pause and let your audience process the information.
• Get feedback: Ask for feedback on your communication style to identify areas for improvement.

The Benefits of Concise Communication

When you avoid over-explaining, you achieve several benefits:

• Improved clarity: Your message becomes easier to understand and remember.
• Increased efficiency: You save time and resources.
• Stronger relationships: Clear communication fosters trust and understanding.
• Enhanced credibility: Concise communication demonstrates competence and confidence.

Over-explaining is often a symptom of underlying anxieties. By understanding the root causes and practicing concise communication techniques, you can overcome this habit and become a more effective communicator. Remember, less is often more when it comes to getting your message across clearly and effectively.