Why Over-explaining Is Underrated, and What to Do About It

Abstract

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay. The purpose of most expository (non-fiction) text is for the reader to understand and retain as much as possible of what it has to say. Too many people who write such text seem (subconsciously) to adopt exactly the opposite point of view. Here's how not to be one of them.