You Know Too Much

Did you know your knowledge can be a curse? The Curse of Knowledge makes personal expertise seem more widely known than it actually is. This personal bias limits your ability to remember what it was like not to have the knowledge you possess.

This curse leads to a failure to understand that others don’t know what you know… and everyone is susceptible to it. Consider this curse when preparing a presentation, proposal, analysis report or any work project. Focus on what your audience knows first. Then think critically about what they don't know yet.

To overcome the Curse of Knowledge, I found the following suggestions from several authors and researchers:

• Concrete Language: Use concrete language by translating concepts and ideas into specific, detailed descriptions or stories.
• Why Questions: Ask a series of at least three “why” questions to move from talking about what is important to why it is important.
• Simplify Explanation: Paraphrase the information to force yourself to process its meaning more deeply, which will make you more aware of what is needed for better comprehension.
• Focus on Audience Needs: Put the needs of the audience first. Resist the temptation to use complicated vocabulary, jargon or acronyms. Show a draft to another person who can provide honest feedback.

Don't let the Curse of Knowledge get in the way of connecting with your audience.

Photo Credit: "Close up of The Thinker," Brian Hillegas, Flickr