Writing for MaxDis has helped me realize, communicating so the audience understands is hard. We should never assume the information we’re sharing is accepted and understood, it’s likely not. The audience rarely ever “knows what you mean.” You know what I mean?
Whether it’s speaking or writing your audience is likely on another planet. They have their own things to worry about, their own lists to write, their own audiences to communicate to.
Believing your audience doesn’t understand is the first step to recovery.
The solution is just to take more time to explain things, right? Wrong. No one has more time for you or your topic. Time is our only limited resource.
The solution is to start with why, explain the necessary background and context, then disengage before you confuse things.
Build small checks in to your communication. “Does that make sense to you?” “Am I conveying this so you understand?” “Are you picking up what I’m putting down?”
The audience will almost always respond affirmatively which doesn’t mean they actually understand. You’ll have to read body language and trust your gut. Reiterate portions you need to.
Walk down the path of understanding with your audience rather than run ahead assuming they are following you. Carry or drag your audience if you must, but don’t leave them behind. Never leave a fallen comrade.
Does that make sense?
Now go and do likewise.
Photo by Pfc. Cristian Torres
