Over-explainer vs the human magic 8-ball

The Over-Explainer vs. The Human Magic 8-Ball: My Personal Struggle.

Some people write three words when they should write thirty. Others (hi, it’s me, I’m the problem) write three paragraphs when three words would do.

I know this about myself, it’s a constant internal struggle. It’s funny because I teach people how to be concise, distill their work, their experience their thoughts. And yet, every single time I go to send an email, Slack message, or text, my brain goes:

“Okay, but what if they misunderstand? What if they need more context? What if they think I’m being abrupt? Let me just quickly explain the full background, my entire thought process, a list of alternative solutions, a self-aware joke to soften the delivery, a casual yet strategic call to action, and…oh wait, is this too long? Should I add an ‘anyway’ at the end to make it seem breezy?”

Me: “Here’s a fully articulated plan with all contingencies mapped out, next steps, risks mitigated, potential stakeholder concerns addressed, an optional SWOT analysis, and my emotional state regarding this decision.”

Them: “Got it.”

GOT IT?! Ok. Cool cool cool.

I over-explain because I was conditioned to believe that if I just explain everything perfectly, there will be no confusion, no follow-up questions, no misinterpretations. Additionally, I want people to know I care, I took the time to do this for you and make sure you understand it properly. But guess what? People will still misunderstand. People will still ask follow-ups. And people will still respond to a full-page breakdown with “K.”

So I’m trying. I really am. (LinkedIn long post evidence to the contrary)

Fellow over-explainers: Maybe we don’t need to walk everyone through our full emotional arc every time we send an email slack or text. Maybe, gah but it feels so wrong.

Under-explainers: I promise adding one full sentence will not physically harm you.

Somewhere between “…” and “let me take you on this journey” is the sweet spot of clarity.

Which one are you? And before you answer with just “yes,” just know that I will be PERSONALLY VICTIMIZED by it.

#overexplainer #humaneightball #hiitsmeimtheproblem