How Communicating Tests Our Understanding: Know What You’re Saying

Gregory LaBlanc, a lecturer in management at Stanford GSB, dives into the intricacies of effective communication and how it is a true test of understanding. He emphasizes the importance of translating ideas for others to understand, the role of empathy in communication, and the need for a balanced approach in conveying information.

Communication as a litmus test of understanding

The ability to communicate a concept effectively is a clear indication of whether we have truly understood it.

Struggling to explain something to others often suggests a gap in our understanding.

The importance of translation in communication

Effective communication goes beyond just broadcasting information.

It involves translating complex ideas into a form that others can comprehend, requiring a deep understanding of both the subject and the audience.

Balancing level, length, and levity

Successful communication involves finding the right level of complexity, adjusting the length of the message to suit the audience’s attention span, and incorporating an appropriate amount of humor or levity.