The curse of knowledge and how to manage it when preparing a pitch or presentation

The curse of knowledge is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person has too much knowledge or expertise in a particular subject and finds it difficult to communicate that information effectively to someone who is less familiar with the topic.

This can be a major challenge when it comes to preparing a pitch or presentation, as the presenter may assume that the audience has the same level of understanding as they do, leading to confusion and a lack of engagement from the audience.

The curse of knowledge also means that we forget what it's like to not know something, or to not understand it. The moment after you have "connected the dots" or had an "AHA" moment, you start forgetting what it's like to not know that those dots are connected, until it just seems obvious to you.

So how can you manage the curse of knowledge when preparing a pitch or presentation?

Here are a few tips:

1. Start with the basics: Before diving into the details, it's important to set the stage for your audience by explaining the basic concepts and background information they need to understand your pitch or presentation. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can follow along as you go deeper into the topic. Never be afraid to state what feels like "the obvious", because it might be obvious to you, but not to your audience.
2. Use simple language and examples: It's important to use language that is clear and easy to understand, rather than technical jargon or complex terms that may be unfamiliar to your audience. Using relatable examples and analogies can also help make the information more accessible.
3. Get your audience to use their imagination: By using their imagination, your audience will engage with what you are saying at a deep emotional level. This connections allows you to guide your audience through the vivid picture they have painted in their own mind, and it will make what you are saying all the more memorable.
4. Guide your audience to the "AHA" moments: By starting with the basics, using simple language and getting your audience to use their imagination, you will create the environment in which the "AHA" moment will occur. These moments of understanding are crucial to creating engagement in your audience, for them to following your reasoning and logic and stay with you until the necessary call to action at the end of the presentation.
5. Test your pitch or presentation on a non-expert: One of the best ways to gauge whether your pitch or presentation is understandable to a general audience is to test it out on someone who is not an expert in the topic. This can help you identify any areas that may be confusing or unclear, and give you the opportunity to make adjustments before presenting to a larger group.
6. Encourage questions and feedback: Encourage your audience to ask questions and provide feedback throughout your pitch or presentation. This will not only help you gauge whether they are understanding the information, but also give you the opportunity to clarify any points that may be unclear.

By following these tips, you can help mitigate the curse of knowledge and ensure that your pitch or presentation is engaging and effective for your audience. Remember, the goal is not to dumb down the information, but rather to present it in a way that is understandable and accessible to a general audience. With a little bit of preparation and effort, you can effectively communicate your expertise and ideas to a wide range of audiences.

Finally, if you have a public speaking engagement of any kind, and you want to be as prepared as possible, contact?Philip Grother?via this?contact form?or?book a call.