KiwiCo's STEAM Communication Secrets
Why Are People So Bad at Writing Emails? The Curse of Knowledge Explained
Do you find yourself struggling to write clear and concise emails? Do you often receive emails that leave you confused or misinterpreting the intended message? You are not alone. In fact, research suggests that people are generally bad at writing emails and interpreting them as well. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of the curse of knowledge and how it affects our email communication skills.
The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person assumes that others have the background knowledge needed to understand their message. This bias is often seen in email communication, where the sender has all the information and context in their head, but the recipient can only see a series of disconnected taps. The result is a message that is unclear, confusing, or even misinterpreted.
One example of the curse of knowledge is the TAP test, a study conducted by a Stanford PhD student named Elizabeth Newton. In this study, participants were assigned to either the role of tapper or listener. The tapper tapped out a rhythm on a table, and the listener’s job was to guess the song. The tappers predicted that the listeners would guess the song correctly 50% of the time, but the listeners only guessed three of the songs correctly, which is a success rate of two and a half percent. The tappers couldn’t avoid hearing the song being played in their head, but to the listener, what they heard was like a bizarre Morse code.
Another example of the curse of knowledge in email communication is the negativity bias. Psychologist Daniel Goleman has written that if a sender feels positive about an email, the receiver usually just feels neutral. However, if the sender feels neutral about the message, the receiver typically feels negative about it. This suggests that every message you send gets bumped down a few points in positivity when someone else reads it.
Overall, the curse of knowledge is a common problem in email communication that can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and negativity bias. However, being aware of this bias and taking steps to avoid it can help us all become better communicators. In the following sections, we will explore some tips and strategies for nudging communication in a clearer direction.
The TAP Test: How Our Bias Impacts Our Communication Skills
Have you ever heard of the TAP test? The TAP test is a study that explores how our bias impacts our communication skills. In this study, participants were assigned to either the role of tapper or listener. The tapper tapped out a rhythm on a table, and the listener’s job was to guess the song. The tappers predicted that the listeners would guess the song correctly 50% of the time, but the listeners only guessed three of the songs correctly, which is a success rate of two and a half percent.
This study highlights the concept of the curse of knowledge, which is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person assumes that others have the background knowledge needed to understand their message. In the case of the TAP test, the tappers couldn’t avoid hearing the song being played in their head, but to the listener, what they heard was like a bizarre Morse code. The tappers assumed that the listeners had the same background knowledge and context that they did, but this assumption was incorrect.
The curse of knowledge is a common problem in communication, especially in email communication. When we write an email, we have all the information and context in our head, but to the recipient, the message can come across as disconnected and confusing. This can lead to misinterpretation and frustration.
To become better communicators, we need to be aware of our bias and take steps to avoid it. In the following sections, we will explore some tips and strategies for nudging communication in a clearer direction.
Negativity Bias in Email Communication: The Unfortunate Reality
Have you ever received an email that left you feeling confused or even angry? You are not alone. In fact, research suggests that there is a negativity bias in email communication, where the recipient typically interprets a message as more negative than the sender intended.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman has written that if a sender feels positive about an email, the receiver usually just feels neutral. However, if the sender feels neutral about the message, the receiver typically feels negative about it. This suggests that every message you send gets bumped down a few points in positivity when someone else reads it.
One reason for this negativity bias is the curse of knowledge, which is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person assumes that others have the background knowledge needed to understand their message. In email communication, the sender has all the information and context in their head, but the recipient can only see a series of disconnected taps. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, which can in turn lead to negative feelings.
To avoid the negativity bias in email communication, it is important to be clear and concise in your message. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language, and try to provide as much context as possible. It is also helpful to use a positive tone in your email, even if you are delivering negative news. This can help to soften the blow and prevent the recipient from feeling attacked or criticized.
Overall, the negativity bias is a common problem in email communication, but being aware of it and taking steps to avoid it can help us all become better communicators. In the following sections, we will explore some tips and strategies for nudging communication in a clearer direction.
The Power of Punctuation: How Generational Differences Affect Interpretation
Did you know that punctuation can have a significant impact on how an email is interpreted? A 2018 study found that there are generational differences in how people interpret messages with punctuation, specifically the use of full stops.
Participants in the study were asked to rate the positivity or negativity of messages that either included or did not include a full stop. Older participants (born before 1985) did not seem to be affected by the use of full stops, but younger participants (born in 1985 or later) rated messages with full stops as more negative than those without.
This study highlights the importance of understanding generational differences in communication styles. If younger people are interpreting messages from their professors, colleagues, or bosses as more negative than intended, it can create unnecessary conflict and tension.
But it’s not just full stops that can impact how an email is interpreted. In the video, the speaker also discusses how ellipses are often perceived as negative, and how the use of exclamation points has increased in an effort to make emails seem more positive and friendly.
Overall, it is important to be aware of how punctuation can affect the interpretation of an email, especially in a diverse workplace where people from different generations may have different communication styles. Using clear and concise language, avoiding vague or ambiguous statements, and being mindful of tone can all help to prevent misinterpretation and promote clear communication.
Overestimating Clarity: The Communication Problem We All Share
Have you ever sent an email thinking that you have communicated your message clearly, only to receive a confusing or unexpected response? You are not alone. Research suggests that people vastly overestimate their ability to get a message across clearly when communicating via email.
One reason for this overestimation is the curse of knowledge, which we discussed earlier. When we are communicating, we have all the information and context in our heads, and we assume that the other person has the same background knowledge that we do. This can lead us to use vague or ambiguous language, or to omit important details that the other person needs to understand our message.
Another reason for the overestimation of clarity is simply that we all have different communication styles and preferences. For example, some people may prefer short, to-the-point emails, while others may prefer longer, more detailed messages. When we are communicating with someone for the first time, we may not know their preferred style, and this can lead to miscommunication.
To avoid this problem, it is important to be aware of our own communication style and to try to adapt to the style of the person we are communicating with. This may mean being more concise in our emails, or providing more detail if the other person prefers it. It is also helpful to ask questions and clarify information as needed to ensure that the other person understands our message.
Overall, overestimating clarity is a communication problem that we all share, but being aware of it and taking steps to prevent it can help us become better communicators. By being mindful of our communication style and adapting to the preferences of the person we are communicating with, we can help ensure that our messages are understood and that we are effectively conveying our intended message.
Nudging Communication in a Clearer Direction: Tips and Strategies
Effective communication is essential for success in both personal and professional settings. To help nudge our communication in a clearer direction, the following tips and strategies can be helpful:
- Be clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that the other person may not understand. Use short sentences and break up long paragraphs to make your message easier to read.
- Provide context. Make sure to provide enough background information for the other person to understand your message. If necessary, provide links or attachments for additional information.
- Avoid assumptions. Don’t assume that the other person knows what you are talking about. If you are unsure whether they have the background knowledge to understand your message, ask questions or provide additional information.
- Be mindful of tone. Consider how your message may be perceived by the other person. Use a friendly and professional tone, and avoid using language that could be interpreted as rude or confrontational.
- Use specific language. Be specific about what you are asking for or what you are offering. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements that could lead to misinterpretation.
- Consider the medium. Different communication mediums may be more appropriate for different types of messages. For example, a face-to-face meeting may be better for discussing complex issues, while a short email may be more appropriate for a quick update.
By incorporating these tips and strategies into our communication, we can help ensure that our messages are clear and effective. While it may take some extra effort and mindfulness, the benefits of clear communication are well worth it.
KiwiCo: The Perfect Solution for Hands-On Learning and Innovation
KiwiCo is a company that creates hands-on projects and toys designed to expose kids to science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts. Each monthly crate comes with all the supplies needed to complete the project and is designed for different age groups and topics.
But KiwiCo isn’t just for kids. Adults can also benefit from these projects and toys. They are designed to inspire creativity and innovation, which is helpful for anyone, regardless of age or career path.
Not only are KiwiCo projects fun and engaging, but they also teach important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. By engaging in hands-on learning, individuals can better understand and retain information.
Plus, KiwiCo projects make great gifts. They are unique and educational, and they encourage children (and adults) to be creative and innovative.
If you’re interested in trying out KiwiCo, head to their website to check out their subscription options. By using the code provided in the video, you can receive a discount on your first month’s crate. Give it a try and see how these projects can help you or your child develop important STEAM skills and inspire innovation.
50% Off Your First Month of KiwiCo: The Ideal Gift for Kids of All Ages and Interests
KiwiCo is offering a special promotion for first-time subscribers. By heading to their website and using the code provided in the video, you can receive 50% off your first month’s crate. This is a great opportunity to try out these hands-on projects and see the benefits of STEAM-based learning for yourself or your child.
KiwiCo crates are designed for different age groups and interests, so there is something for everyone. Whether your child is interested in science, art, engineering, or math, KiwiCo has a crate that will engage and inspire them.
Not only are these crates educational and fun, but they also make great gifts. They are unique and encourage children to think outside the box and be creative. Plus, by giving the gift of KiwiCo, you are supporting hands-on learning and STEAM education.
So if you’re looking for an engaging and educational gift for a child in your life (or even for yourself!), consider trying out KiwiCo. With their special promotion, it’s an affordable and accessible way to explore the world of STEAM-based learning and innovation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, communication is a complex and multifaceted aspect of our daily lives. From emails to text messages to in-person conversations, how we communicate with others can have a significant impact on our relationships and interactions with others. In this blog post, we have explored some of the challenges that come with communicating effectively, including the curse of knowledge, the impact of bias on communication, and the role of punctuation in interpretation.
One key takeaway from this discussion is the importance of being aware of our own biases and assumptions when communicating with others. We can all fall victim to the curse of knowledge, assuming that others know what we know and failing to communicate clearly as a result. By being more intentional in our communication and taking the time to clarify our messages, we can improve our relationships and interactions with others.
Another important takeaway is the value of hands-on learning and innovation in STEAM education. By engaging in projects that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, individuals of all ages can develop important skills and gain a deeper understanding of STEAM concepts. Companies like KiwiCo offer a wide range of projects and toys designed to inspire innovation and creativity, making learning fun and engaging for kids and adults alike.
Overall, effective communication and STEAM education are both essential components of a successful and fulfilling life. By being aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with these areas, we can take steps to improve our communication skills, expand our knowledge and understanding of STEAM concepts, and ultimately lead more fulfilling and successful lives.
