Sharing my top 10 posts of 2024. #9
The journey of becoming an expert is a rigorous one, filled with hours of dedication, study, and immersion in a particular field. But what happens when that vast reservoir of knowledge becomes a barrier, rather than a bridge, to effective communication? This is a pressing issue many experts grapple with when trying to convey their insights to a broader audience.
Unveiling the Curse of Knowledge
The phenomenon has a name – it’s called the “curse of knowledge” or in some circles, “expert blindness.” To visualize this, imagine a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 represents peak expertise. Experts, standing tall at the pinnacle of this scale, often believe they’re simplifying their content to a level 7 or 8 for broader understanding. But here’s the catch: most audience members, especially those new to the subject, find comfort and clarity around the 1 to 3 mark.
As experts, there’s a natural inclination to use familiar terminology – company jargon, industry-specific terms, and other specialized lingo. It’s easy to forget what it feels like not to know, to be on the other side of the expertise chasm.
Curious about how disorienting this can be for an audience? Click here to experience the overwhelming sensation of the “curse of knowledge” in action. (in a fun way, I promise)
Deciphering the Solution
The antidote to this expertise-communication divide is twofold:
Self-awareness: Recognizing the existence of this bias is half the battle. Once aware, experts can more deliberately craft their message to resonate with their audience’s level of familiarity.
Simplification: Ditch the acronyms. Bid adieu to industry jargon. And most importantly, steer clear from highly technical language unless absolutely necessary. This might require a shift from one’s typical communication style, but the rewards in audience engagement and understanding are immeasurable.
A personal rule of thumb I’ve found invaluable: when it feels like I might be oversimplifying a concept, that’s usually a good sign. It indicates I’m aligning my message with where my audience is, rather than where my expertise sits. After all, genuine communication isn’t about showcasing what we know, but ensuring what we know is understood.