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- What I’m reading: “What if We Get it Right”
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- How many times has it snowed already? 8
In the world of communication, clarity is key. Much like baking a perfect batch of Rice Krispies treats, effective communication requires the right ingredients — simple, direct language, attention to detail, and an understanding of the audience’s needs. Yet, just as you wouldn’t add sawdust to a batch of treats, you shouldn’t add unnecessary complexity, jargon, or ambiguity to your message. Doing so risks confusing your audience or worse, leading them to misunderstand your intentions entirely.
Let’s think of clear communication like crafting a well-loved recipe. If you start with good intentions — whether it’s sharing important information, making a proposal, or delivering feedback — you want your message to come across as inviting, digestible, and useful. But when you begin adding “sawdust” in the form of convoluted phrases, excessive details, or confusing terminology, you’re introducing something into the mix that may look like part of the recipe but isn’t meant to be consumed. It may go unnoticed at first, but soon enough, your audience will start to feel the discomfort of chewing through something unnecessary.
Just like sawdust in food, complicated language or excessive jargon doesn’t serve the purpose of clear communication. Sure, it may be tempting to use complex words or technical terms to impress others, but often these only serve to alienate or confuse. Consider the experience of a non-expert trying to read an industry report filled with insider terms. What should be a simple takeaway becomes an overwhelming, frustrating experience. The result is that your audience may “taste” something unpleasant, even if they can’t quite pinpoint the exact cause.
Simplicity is Key
Effective communication is about stripping down unnecessary layers and focusing on what truly matters. It’s about choosing the right ingredients to create something that resonates, that can be understood at a glance. Just as you wouldn’t throw random ingredients into Rice Krispies treats, don’t layer your message with ambiguity, redundant details, or jargon that distracts from your point. The goal should be to deliver a message that’s easy to follow, and ideally, enjoyable to engage with.
Take the time to craft your message clearly, with consideration for your audience. A good communicator doesn’t just relay information — they ensure it’s delivered in a way that resonates with the listener or reader. Clear communication means being mindful of who is on the receiving end and adapting your message to meet their level of understanding. For example, when explaining a technical concept to someone unfamiliar with the subject, simplify your language without sacrificing the integrity of the idea. This ensures that your audience gets the “flavor” of what you’re saying without any unwanted surprises.
The Risks of Adding Too Much
Just as too much sawdust would ruin the texture of Rice Krispies treats, overcomplicating a message can cause confusion, frustration, and ultimately, a breakdown in understanding. People don’t have the patience or energy to sift through excessive details to find the core message. Overloading a communication with too much “stuff” doesn’t add value — it detracts from the point you’re trying to make.
For example, in a workplace setting, when you give an employee unclear feedback full of convoluted language, they’re left guessing what needs to be improved. It’s the equivalent of giving them a treat with mysterious, unidentifiable ingredients. If they’re unsure of what to do next, frustration builds, and the opportunity for growth is lost.
Making Communication Palatable
The trick is to focus on the essentials, to ensure your message is clean, straightforward, and digestible. When communication is simple and clear, it’s easier for your audience to “consume” and respond appropriately. By avoiding unnecessary complexity, you make your message more accessible, ensuring that everyone involved understands it the way it was intended. In the end, just as a well-made Rice Krispies treat is enjoyed without anyone noticing the effort behind it, clear communication should leave a lasting impression — without any confusion or misinterpretation.
So, next time you’re crafting a message, think carefully about what you’re adding to the mix. Avoid the “sawdust” of unnecessary complexity, and keep your communication simple, honest, and straightforward. It’s the best recipe for success.