Over-Explaining: Understanding Concepts and Their Impact in Communication

Have you ever met someone who repeats what they say over and over again or explains things excessively? Over-explaining, or the tendency to explain too much or give excessive reasons in communication, is a pattern of behavior that can often affect the effectiveness of our communications. Although the intentions may be good, over-explaining can unintentionally impact interpersonal relationships and everyday communication.

What is Over-Explaining?

Over-explaining occurs when someone gives excessive, detailed, or repetitive explanations about a topic or decision. This can be due to a desire to make others understand or agree, a fear of misunderstanding, or an urge to justify actions or opinions.

Over-Explaining Traits

• Explaining Over and Over: People who tend to over-explain may feel the need to explain the same thing over and over again, even after everyone else has understood it.
• Give Too Many Details: They tend to provide too many details, including details that may not be relevant to the listener.
• Worry about being misunderstood: The tendency to over-explain often arises from worrying that others will not understand correctly or will misunderstand.
• Use Multiple Justifications: Over-explaining people provide multiple reasons or justifications for their opinions or actions, even when unnecessary.

Impact of Over-Explaining

• Lose of Listener Attention: Too many details and repeated explanations can make listeners lose interest and concentration.
• Less Efficient Communication: Over-explaining can make communication inefficient because time is spent explaining too many details.
• Misunderstanding: Ironically, over-explaining can lead to confusion or misunderstanding, especially if the information provided is too complex.
• Lack of Confidence: Too much explaining or giving reasons can give the impression that a person doesn't believe what they are saying or doing.

How to Overcome Over-Explaining Behavior

• Realizing What's Been Done: Awareness is the first step to overcoming over-explaining. Try to notice when you start to get caught up in this tendency.
• Please focus on the Core Message: Identify the core message or important points you need to convey and do it clearly and concisely.
• Understand the Audience: Consider the audience's level of understanding and knowledge and convey information accordingly.
• Practice Effective Communication: Learn about effective communication techniques, including listening carefully, speaking clearly, and making sure your message is contextualized.

Over-explaining is a behavior that can affect the effectiveness of our communication. Even though sometimes all we do is to make sure that the message we convey is well understood, too much explaining can also ruin the conversation. By understanding its characteristics and applying more effective communication techniques, we can avoid the negative effects of over-explaining and build better communication relationships with others.