Shanli Liu shares three ways to stop over-explaining. Adding excessive detail actually reduces credibility. Wait for people to ask questions instead of volunteering information. When you use the word "because," ask if the detail was requested or just filler, and cut it if it's filler.
How to stop over-explaining. Number 1: Less is more. When you over-explain, it's because you have this fear that they're not going to believe you, so you give more detail in hopes that they believe that you're telling the truth or believe you know what you're talking about. But the more words you use, the less believable you sound. The more words it takes to tell the truth, the farther it looks from it. So when you give more detail, you're not preventing misunderstanding, you're ensuring it. So number 2, don't assume their question before you answer it. Instead of wanting to give them all the information, all the details, just wait and let them ask. Get in the mindset of if they want to know, they will ask. If they have a question, they will ask. Instead of being a waterfall, be a well. And number 3, here's a quick test. The next time you use the word because, ask yourself the question, did they ask for this information or do I just feel like they need it? And if it's because you feel like it, you can probably do better without it. So try that and follow me.
