The Problem with Communicating Ideas and What To Do About It

Whenever I wish to dissect an idea, formulate it and present it as an article, I inevitably stumble upon the same problem: Where does the idea begin and where does the idea end?

Ideas are inseparable. They are linked beyond comprehension.

To explain one thing, you often must explain it’s origins and family. How far back should you dig in order to make your point clear?

What about the idea’s extrapolation? How far should you stroll up that lane?

When I start exploring some musing in writing or conversation, there is no easy cut off. There is no obvious boundary. I could continue to write forever and never get to the idea’s end.

So when should we stop? Where should the fence be laid? The answer: If it’s useful include it, if it’s merely of note then don’t.

Which begs the question, how do we know which related ideas are truly necessary? Here are the ground rules:

• Time is at a premium. We must make an impact quickly. Is it worth the readers time?
• Does the related point plug a hole in your argument? Is it a hole that would otherwise drain the conviction of your readers assent?
• Can your proposed idea stand up to scrutiny without that additional information?

In the end, you’ll never be able to convince everybody. To try is to write a thousand books and still have some query left unanswered.

But for those in your tribe that you care to connect with, for those you wish to affect, does it achieve the desired impact? If so, draw the line right there.