Overloading your audience with details is easy.
WHY IT MATTERS: Not all details are equal. Focusing on what matters guarantees that your message is understood.
Too much detail? You risk losing your audience’s attention. Knowing which level to use is key to effective communication.
THREE LEVELS OF DETAIL:
- Level 1 is essential: These are the must-know points. They’re critical to the core message and should be front and center. If your audience only remembers one thing, this is it.
- Level 2 adds context: These details add useful context without overwhelming the reader. They give a little more depth to your message but don’t take much time to process.
- Level 3 weighs the message down: These details seem important but don’t add much value. They can bog down your message and dilute its impact.
PRO TIP: Before sharing, review your content. Ask: Is this detail necessary, or does it weigh my message down? Stick to Level 1 and 2 details to keep your writing focused.
DEEP DIVE: Joseph McCormack, in his book Brief, explains these three levels in detail.