How To Break The Curse of Knowledge

You probably don't know this, but you may be suffering from the 'curse of knowledge'.

Yes, it is real, and my wife, Eva, helped me break the curse. Lately, I've been trying to get her to use social media more, Linkedin particularly, and I was teaching her how to share her story and show her work. I kept getting frustrated that she wasn't ‘getting it.’ In her frustration, she said, "You keep assuming I know everything you know. You also don't know everything I know. Maybe you should be humble".

Light bulb moment.

I apologised, humbled myself, empathised with her and taught her properly, patiently. Ever since, I've tried to communicate with empathy, using simple language and the art of storytelling.

The curse of knowledge is real, and it could be holding you back from sharing your story, showing your work, and creating content that resonates with your audience. For some, it could be holding you back from success.

What is the Curse of Knowledge, you ask?

It's the cognitive bias that occurs when we assume that others have the same knowledge and understanding as we do. We tend to forget what it's like not to know something, making it difficult for us to communicate effectively with those who don't have our expertise.

In other words, we think people know what we know. That's the CURSE OF KNOWLEDGE!

Here's how to break free from the curse and create content that connects with your audience.

1. Recognising the Curse

The first step in overcoming the curse of knowledge is to recognise it. It's that moment when you find yourself using jargon that confuses your audience, assuming people know what you're talking about, or skipping over 'basic' details because they seem too obvious to mention.

2. Simplify, Then Simplify Again

The mantra here is: If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Start by breaking down complex ideas into their most basic components. Then, find ways to make these components even simpler. The goal is to make your message accessible to someone completely new to the subject.

3. Storytelling as a Tool

We humans are wired for stories. Stories help us contextualise and remember information. Use anecdotes, metaphors, and analogies that relate to everyday experiences. This approach not only makes your message more relatable but also more memorable.

4. Empathy: Walk in Their Shoes

Empathy plays a critical role in breaking this curse. Try to remember what it was like when you were a novice. What confused you? What helped you understand? This empathetic approach will guide you in crafting messages that resonate.

5. Feedback Loops

Create channels for feedback. Whether it's through surveys, comments, or direct conversations, understanding your audience's perspective can highlight where the knowledge gap lies. Feedback is the mirror that reflects the clarity of your communication.

6. Teach to Learn

One of the best ways to break the curse of knowledge is to teach your subject to someone who is unfamiliar with it. This forces you to step back, think about the basics, and approach your topic from a beginner's perspective.

When you're ready, here's how I can help you:

1. Buy my book - FIRED-UP: Launch Yourself Online, Make A Living Doing What You Love

2. Work with me 1:1 – book a coaching or strategy session.