The skill of “explaining something” is also art form. It is an incredibly valuable skill yet it doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves, at least from my perspective.
I have heard many people say “I shouldn’t have to explain it to you.” There are many valid reasons to say this, and then there are “other” reasons. You may not be interested enough to bother. You may be tired, the person bores you, the subject is beneath you, you have ‘evolved so far beyond it,” it is settled truth, it is a waste of time, there is no point, there is no need, it won’t help, they won’t get it, what have you. But I think that every time you explain anything well to someone else, you yourself see it clearer or learn something new in the process. Should I ever have a firm grasp on anything, I would find the explanation of it to someone else a thrill, a challenge, and great practice. I practice every chance I get. I fail to execute it “well” more often then not, but this does not deter me in the least. When I read a great explanation? It is a marvel to behold. There is some awesome skills in here. The skilled explainer cuts out so many unnecessary steps! What normally would take numerous back and forth exchanges, is cut through in one fell swoop. What a skill to posses! Questions are pre- answered, clarity is provided, and the benefits to all cannot be underestimated. Why is this skill not honed in so many people? While it is a gift to some, I believe it can be taught, at least to a degree, and the results are there to observe after each attempt. What went wrong, what approaches didn’t work. Some people blame the receiver and not their explaining skills. I think this can be the case, but the fault mainly lies with the explainer. You didn’t do it well enough. It lacked something, whether it be precision, whether it was not adapted to the target audience, the right words were not chosen, the tactic failed, there are so many ways an explanation can go awry. Where is the embrace of the explanation? What skill surpasses it in changing minds, illuminating knowledge, or providing well being and peace to the planet? Why do we see so much trouble in communication? “As I already explained” comes from those who didn’t do it very well the first time. I suspect the blame will not be placed there however. It is predominantly placed on the receiving end. Does that happen? Of course. Is that where it ends? Not from my perspective. Some of the smartest people are the worst explainers. What a shame --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""Minds Eye"" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/minds-eye?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
