How to Rein in the Urge to Over-Explain: A Guide for High-Context Communicators

By: Stephanie Bickel

Are you the kind of person who wants to give all the context before getting to the point?

Do you fear that if you don’t explain everything, people won’t truly understand?

That’s a strength - until it’s not.

High-context communicators care deeply about accuracy, background, and connection. But in fast-paced business settings, too much detail can cost you credibility.

Executives tune out. Peers miss the point. And your message, no matter how smart, gets lost.

“If your audience needs more, they’ll ask. But if you give too much, they’ll tune out before you ever get the chance." — Stephanie Bickel

Here’s how to rein in the urge to over-explain without losing depth.

Why We Over-Explain

There are a few common reasons high-context communicators go long:

• You’re worried your audience won’t “get it” without background

  
  

• You want to appear thorough and knowledgeable

  
  

• You’re passionate and want others to feel what you feel

  
  

That instinct is a strength, until it starts working against you

Signs You’re Giving Too Much

You finish and realize… you never made your main point.

• People ask, “So what does this mean for us?”

  
  

• Your audience looks distracted, or checks their phone

  
  

• You get interrupted with “Can you get to the recommendation?”

  
  

If this feels familiar, it’s time to adjust.

3 Ways to Rein in the Urge to Over-Explain

1. Start with the Headline

Lead with your core point, not the background.

You can always go deeper if they ask.

For example:

Instead of

“So we looked at the data from Q1 and Q2 across regions, and what we found was...”

Say:

“We’re 15% behind target, and it’s due to one factor: delayed vendor shipments.”

Then pause. Let them lean in.

2. Use the “Two-Question” Rule

Before launching into your content, ask:

“Has anything changed since we last spoke?”

“What would be most helpful to hear about today?”

These questions clarify what they already know and what they want. It saves you from saying too much and them from sitting through what they don’t need.

3. Ask Yourself: “What Are They Really Listening For?”

Are they trying to make a decision? Defend a budget? Understand a risk?

When you align your message to their goal, not your depth, you’ll be clearer, faster, and more effective.

Framework: 3 Levels of Message Depth

Audience Knowledge	Goal	Your Approach
Low	Educate or inform	Context + summary + takeaway
Medium	Align or collaborate	Headline + key point + quick story
High	Decide or act	Headline only + ask if they want more

You don’t have to tell everything you know. You just have to share what helps them act.

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