The Knowledge Gap: Don't Overestimate What Others Know?
Learn how to communicate clearly and bridge the gap between your knowledge and theirs.
The curse of knowledge happens when you forget what it was like not to know something. The deeper you dive into your field, the harder it is to recall those early steps when everything is new and confusing. You start skipping crucial details, assuming that everyone's on the same page as you.
You've spent years mastering your craft. As your brain accumulates knowledge, it creates shortcuts—big-picture thinking. So, while you're seeing the completed puzzle, the person in front of you struggles to figure out where the corner pieces go.
This gap leads to misunderstanding. Maybe you are speaking jargon they don't get, making your audience feel like they are drowning in minutia and technicalities.
Why You Need to Step into Their Shoes
Effective communication isn't just about being clear; it's about being empathetic. It would help if you met people where they are. You won't be able to break the wall of not understanding without understanding how they are feeling.
Before explaining something, could you take a moment to step into their shoes? What do they already know? What might be confusing to them? Instead of launching into a lecture, ask them questions. See where they're starting from.
My daughter wanted to make my meatballs. I gave her a list of ingredients and a step-by-step guide, assuming she knew what to grab from the store. Days later, she told me they were "okay," but they didn't taste like mine. It turns out that when I told her to buy "meatloaf mix," she thought I meant a spice packet—not a mix of beef, pork, and veal. I had forgotten that they had never done the shopping before.
See how simple questions could have avoided the misunderstanding. "Do you know what meatloaf mix is?" would have made all the difference. Please take a minute to figure out whether they already know the steps.
Making the Complex Simple
Here's another trick: analogies. They're like a secret for breaking down complex ideas when done right.
Think of an analogy as a mental shortcut. It takes something abstract and turns it into something relatable. You're giving your audience something they can understand and connect with what you're trying to teach.
Take the house analogy we often use for web design. I was trying to explain hosting and domain terminology to a potential client, and it was not clicking. I could see it. That's when I knew I needed to give her something familiar.
I switched gears and said, "Think of the houses in your community. Some are single-family and have the space all to themselves, while others are apartments with private and common elements. That helps explain the server space. And regardless of the type of home, each has its unique address; this is the domain." This is where it usually starts to click.
The meatloaf mix example works the same way. Think of the mix like pre-mixed clay—you could make it yourself, but buying it all ready to go is more effortless. Boom. Now, it makes sense.
Analogies are designed to take the unfamiliar and make it familiar. To try to find ones that make sense. It makes explaining concepts that much easier for the other person to grasp.
Don't Assume, Clarify
When we communicate, we often assume people know what we're discussing. But assumptions can lead to disaster. Instead, ask questions to check their understanding. Think of it as laying down stepping stones for a conversation.
The best way to do this is to ask simple, clarifying questions. Before explaining your meatball recipe (or whatever else), ask something like, "Have you ever used meatloaf mix before?" or "What's your experience with this?" This immediately helps you gauge what they know and what they don't.
This shift was huge for me. I used to assume everyone was on the same page. Now, I ask qualifying questions right from the start. And the difference? It gives the conversation a jumping-off point, and it's no longer one-sided.
Why do they suggest you begin an article, video, or audio with a hook or a question? Because it gives context to what they are about to learn.
Embrace Your Own Learning Vulnerabilities
What is the one thing most overlook? Vulnerability. Admitting that you have struggled, too, makes a difference.
You're not just an expert on a pedestal when you show vulnerability. You're human. You've been where they are. You've made mistakes. This opens the door for others to ask questions and engage more fully.
I remember when I first started learning to code. In the first month, I broke my program at least five times. I would crash it, patch it up, and break it again. Admitting that it wasn't a win right off the bat helps others feel less intimidated about making a mistake. It also enables you to understand that fails are part of the process of winning.
When you show your audience that you've been right where they are and that they need to go through the trial and error phase, you create a safe space for learning.
Bringing It All Together
So, how do we overcome the curse of knowledge and communicate better? Here's a quick roadmap:
Ask where they're starting: Ask the qualifiers to see what they know before you jump right in.
Use simple language: Strip out the jargon. Use the words your audience uses; if you must use technical terms, explain them with analogies.
Share your stories: Use relatable stories and metaphors so they can make mental comparisons.
Check for understanding: Ask clarifying questions as you go along. This will quickly bring them into the conversation.
Share your struggles: Show that you've been where they are. Adding vulnerability allows you to build better connections.
The next time you're trying to explain something, try these steps. You'll be surprised at how much smoother the path to "aha" happens. You (and your audience) will walk away feeling better.
Empowering Your Audience
Ultimately, it's not about how much you know; it's about building the bridge between your skill set and your willingness to learn. It's about getting them near the space you are now in.
So, the next time you need to explain something, remember to meet your people where they are, add some stories, and show a bit of vulnerability. Take them on a journey of discovery to allow them to build alongside you.