People Must Experience Something 7 Times to Learn
Tony Simas, MBA
Industrial Manufacturers: Want 30% sales growth in 12-24 months? Obtain the kind of high marketing ROI I've been getting for some of the world's largest companies for 20 years. | Digital Transformation | Speaker
Repeating information is key to helping people learn and remember. You may have heard of the rule of seven, which says that people need to experience something seven times to really get it. This is especially important when sharing new ideas or plans. If your communication plan has fewer touchpoints, it might not be enough.
Many executives worry about change fatigue, especially after dealing with the many changes brought on by the pandemic and new technologies. Because of this, it's important to be gentle and understanding. People aren't likely to remember everything after just three or five times. Repeating information helps make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Don't get frustrated if people don't remember right away. Keep in mind that it's normal for them to need more repetitions. Use the rule of seven as a guide. It helps to remind yourself and your team that needing to hear information multiple times is completely normal. Understanding this can help prevent frustration and create a more supportive environment for learning and adapting.
Understand the Rule of Seven
The rule of seven is a simple yet powerful concept. It suggests that people need to hear or see something seven times before they fully understand it. This idea is based on how our brains work. We need repetition to remember and learn new information.
This rule isn't just for learning. It's also useful for communication and marketing. When sharing new ideas or plans, you should repeat your message at least seven times. This ensures that everyone understands and remembers it.
Executives and managers often worry about overwhelming their teams with repeated messages. However, repetition helps to reinforce the message. It reduces misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. By repeating important information, you make sure it sticks.
Why Repetition Is Key to Learning
Repetition helps strengthen memory. When you hear or see something several times, it becomes easier to remember. This is because each repetition helps reinforce the connection in your brain. It's like building a path through a forest: the more you walk the path, the clearer it becomes.
There are several reasons why repetition is important:
Using repetition in your communication helps ensure that your team understands and remembers important information. This leads to better outcomes and a more effective team.
Strategies for Effective Communication
Using effective communication strategies helps ensure your message is understood and retained. Here are some tips to incorporate the rule of seven into your communication:
1. Use Multiple Channels: Share your message across different platforms like emails, meetings, FAQs, and social media. This increases the chances of your audience seeing it multiple times.
2. Rotate Your Content: Present the same information in different formats, such as videos, infographics, and articles. This variation keeps your audience engaged. Pro Tip: Anchor the information in something familiar such as the project overview, even if it is not great use the same opening introduction. If you have to upscale it with graphic design just make it more 'modern' without moving content.
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3. Set Clear Objectives: Make sure each communication has a clear, specific purpose. This helps focus your message and makes it more memorable.
4. Ask for Feedback: Encourage your audience to give feedback and ask questions. This interaction can help them remember the information better.
5. Summarize Key Points: Repeat main points at the beginning, throughout, and at the end of your communication. This repetition reinforces the message.
These strategies help ensure your audience hears your message enough times to truly understand and remember it. Consistent and varied communication makes your message stronger and more effective.
Overcoming Frustration and Embracing Patience
Patience is crucial when trying to help others learn and adapt. It’s natural to feel frustrated if people don’t remember what you’ve told them. However, understanding the need for repetition can help ease that frustration.
1. Keep Calm and Reiterate: If someone forgets, calmly repeat the information. Remember, it may take up to seven exposures for them to remember.
2. Support and Encourage: Create a supportive environment where asking questions and requesting repetition is encouraged. This reduces stress and helps people learn more effectively.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize when people start to remember and understand the information. Celebrating small successes keeps everyone motivated.
4. Use Visual Aids: Sometimes words aren’t enough. Use charts, diagrams, and other visual aids to make the information stick.
5. Train the trainer: Have other people share the information the top way to learn is through teaching.
By being patient and understanding, you can help your team or audience feel more comfortable and confident. This approach ensures everyone learns effectively without feeling pressured or frustrated.
Conclusion
Repetition is essential for learning and effective communication. The rule of seven underscores the need to repeat information multiple times to ensure it's understood and remembered. By using varied and consistent communication strategies, you can help your audience grasp new concepts more effectively. While it might be easy to feel frustrated when people don't remember right away, patience and supportive methods make a significant difference.
As you apply these B2B marketing strategies in your business, remember that consistent and clear communication helps build a stronger, more cohesive team. Embrace the process, and you'll find that your efforts pay off in added understanding and fewer misunderstandings. For tailored advice and expert insights on improving your B2B marketing strategies, visit Client Growth Partners today and discover how our services can help your team achieve excellence.
Business Development Executive
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