Understanding the silent struggle of explaining your work
When you become proficient at something, you might find that explaining it becomes increasingly difficult. This isn't a reflection of your skills, but rather a manifestation of tacit knowledge, which philosopher Michael Polanyi refers to as the understanding we possess but cannot verbalize. This phenomenon is common among those who create or build—many find themselves equipped with the skills to achieve results but lacking the words to articulate the process behind those results. Furthermore, as you delve deeper into your field, the complexity of your knowledge grows, making it even more challenging to translate that expertise into simple language.
Take my recent experience as an example. I attempted to set up reporting for my site using an AI assistant. I had a clear vision of what I wanted, yet it took multiple attempts to convey my ideas precisely. Each message required me to refine my thoughts, which felt frustrating and akin to removing a splinter. This is a typical scenario for anyone skilled in their field but less adept at explaining their workflows. The more familiar you become with your processes, the more you assume others share the same background knowledge, which can lead to communication breakdowns.
What happens when you automate tasks?
Automation can exacerbate the communication gap. When performing a task manually, you must mentally engage with each step, making it easier to narrate the process. However, automation eliminates that need for reflection. You set up a system, press a button, and receive the output without ever forming the narrative of how it occurred. The more you automate, the less you articulate. This creates a paradox where efficiency gains can lead to a decline in the ability to discuss and explain those very efficiencies.
- Automation reduces the need for verbalizing processes, resulting in a reliance on output rather than the journey to get there.
- Skilled practitioners often find themselves fluent in results but mute on processes, making it difficult to share insights with peers or clients.
- With effective tools, outcomes multiply, but explanations diminish, leading to a potential disconnect between teams.
- Automation can create a communication barrier, especially when discussing your work with others, as the nuances of the process may be lost.
- People in creative fields struggle to convey what they do when they rely heavily on automation, as the personal touch often gets overshadowed by the mechanistic output.
Why is this a problem for builders and creators?
For many, the inability to articulate one's work is a minor inconvenience; however, for those in building, selling, or leadership roles, it's a significant barrier. If you can't describe your work, you can't effectively market it. You lose the ability to pitch your ideas, onboard team members, or communicate value to customers. This gap can make your work feel invisible, especially when you possess the most insight yet struggle to express it clearly. The inability to connect with stakeholders can lead to missed opportunities and undervalued contributions.
The irony is that those who have the most valuable insights often find it hardest to communicate them, as they are deeply immersed in their processes. The solution, however, is not simply to "communicate better." It requires recognizing that doing and explaining are different skills. Building the capacity to articulate your work means investing in communication strategies that resonate with your audience, ensuring they understand the significance of your contributions.
How can you improve your articulation skills?
Articulation is a trainable skill and can be developed quickly, but it requires a shift in approach. Sitting down to write a polished explanation from scratch is often ineffective. Instead, start by engaging in rough conversations about your work. Talk to a colleague as if you were explaining your project over coffee—messy, incomplete, and filled with pauses. This informal setting allows for a more relaxed exchange, making it easier to explore your thoughts without the pressure of formal presentation.
Steps to improve your communication
- Engage in informal discussions about your work. Create a safe space where you can share ideas without fear of judgment.
- Allow yourself to ramble and express thoughts without judgment. This will help you discover the core of your message.
- Use prompts or questions to guide your explanations. Consider common inquiries you receive about your work and prepare responses to them.
- Seek feedback on your explanations to refine them. Constructive criticism from peers can provide insights into areas of ambiguity.
- Practice summarizing your work regularly to internalize the key points. Consider creating a one-pager that distills your projects into their essential elements.
Another effective method is to participate in interviews. Answering specific questions can help you pull out the fragments of your knowledge that may be hard to articulate spontaneously. You likely know the answers to practical questions, such as "What does your work accomplish for someone on a typical day?" These fragments can then be woven into a cohesive narrative. Engaging in mock interviews or discussions can further enhance your comfort level with articulating your ideas.
Can automation help you regain your words?
The irony is that the same automation tools that can hinder articulation can also assist in recovery. An AI can help you structure thoughts. It doesn't judge your initial rough drafts; it can take your rambling and turn it into a coherent explanation. Using these tools repeatedly can help you internalize the structure of your explanations until you can express them more clearly on your own. The key is to leverage automation as a supportive mechanism rather than a crutch, using it to enhance your communication rather than replace it.
I do not intend to abandon automation. It allows me to focus on the work itself, which is crucial. However, I've started to maintain a practice of verbalizing my creations and their purposes. This habit ensures that I continually articulate what I do, allowing my work to be visible to others and not just to myself. Regularly revisiting and discussing your projects can reinforce your understanding and create opportunities for deeper insights.
People also ask
How does automation affect communication?
Automation can create a gap in communication by reducing the need to articulate processes, making it harder for skilled individuals to explain their work clearly. The reliance on automated systems can lead to a disconnect between the creator and the audience.
What is tacit knowledge?
Tacit knowledge is the understanding we have gained through experience but cannot easily express in words. It often becomes more pronounced as we gain expertise, creating a chasm between knowing and explaining.
How can I improve my communication skills?
Improving communication skills involves engaging in informal conversations, practicing articulation through feedback, and using prompts to guide explanations. Regular practice and reflection are essential to strengthen these skills.
Can AI tools help with communication?
Yes, AI tools can assist in structuring thoughts and turning rough drafts into coherent explanations, helping individuals articulate their work more effectively. By utilizing AI, you can refine your messaging and ensure clarity in communication.
Glossary of terms
- Tacit knowledge: Knowledge gained through experience that is difficult to articulate verbally.
- Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
- Articulation: The ability to express thoughts or ideas clearly and effectively.