Why Simplicity Matters When You're Teaching Your Genius
It’s really that simple
It's elementary, my dear Watson.
That's a famous quote most people credit Sherlock Holmes for saying. He may not have used those exact words but the sentiment is clear.
This thing is too easy or obvious to miss.
But yet, everyday someone might be missing what you're trying to teach them.
Because while it may be elementary for you, it may be rocket science to them.
So you get all excited and use the big tech terms and overload them with way too much info. Until their eyes cross and they're looking for the nearest exit
That's why it's super important to keep things simple. No matter your zone of genius that's the best way to teach your expertise to others.
Let's dive into 4 reasons why simplicity matters when you're teaching.
1. It makes things clear
Imagine trying to watch TV through a cloudy glass window. You kind of get the sense of people moving around and the colours they're wearing.
But you can't see their expressions which plays a big part in understanding what's going on. And someone is going to ask you to summarise the film at the end.
So there's pressure to get everything when you just can't.
That's what it's like when you teach and things aren't clear.
Your audience feels pressured to understand something they just can't. They're desperately looking through a murky glass and can't figure out what's going on.
How would you feel if that was you?
How would you feel knowing you' may be contributing to that feeling for others when you're sharing your genius?
It's not about being clever or trying to look like an expert. Keep things simple for your community by being clear about what you're teaching and what you want them to learn.
So simple
2. It makes things easy to understand
When I was doing my Diploma of Education I had a class called Planning. It was tedious and difficult to understand. Especially this one concept that had everybody stuck.
The tutor gave us a group presentation on the same topic and one person was supposed to present on behalf of the group.
My group chose me to present since I had more experience teaching that Grade than the rest of them.
I had to use examples and spot patterns from case studies to get it. Then I had to figure out how to explain it to my group so they could understand. And then present it to the whole class so they could understand too.
No pressure though, right?
The best thing to do: keep things simple.
While everyone else tried to use back the tutor's words and sound professional with technical jargon, I simply colour coded the exercise. I explained what each colour represented, laid out the info in patterns and used a system everyone understands to explain what we did.
No one else had done that. It was simple but effective. The tutor ended the presentations after I was done (I was #2) and declared that that was the way to do it.
Simplicity strips away barriers of confusion and makes it easy for everyone to understand.
People assume that because someone is an adult they will understand the jargon.
Or that they don't need anything creative or engaging because that kind of stuff is for kids and slow learners.
Those are big myth that may keep people back from teaching your expertise in a meaningful way.
If you've fallen for it in the past don't let it happen in the future. When it comes to teaching, simplicity is your friend and is one of the easiest ways to help your audience understand what you're sharing.
3. People feel more included
So easy to understand
Have you ever watched people play the simplest games?
Not everyone can play strategy games like Battleship. Or develop the hand eye coordination for many video games.
But you see a game like Old Maid or any other matching game?
It's elementary, my dear Watson.
It's as basic and easy as you can get. Which means that anyone can play it.
Some college professors take pride in saying they haven't given an A in over ten years. Or that their fail rate is high.
Me?
I would be too ashamed to have that stat follow me around. The mark of a good teacher is to help students learn something they can take with them forever.
The simpler you can explain a concept the more people can feel included.
And that's a great thing for you. The more of your ideal audience you can make feel seen and included, the better they will engage with you.
And they're more likely to trust you and become future clients. Or tell others about you and they could become clients.
That's no prize for making people feel excluded from something they need that you're making too complex.
Simplicity creates space for more people to willingly step into your world. And stay there.
4. It leads to a better result
I did it!
At the end of the day the goal is to help your ideal client to solve a problem with your YOU-Nique genius.
They want to do something easier, faster, better or by spending less money. Maybe they want to acquire something that you can provide.
If you make things hard for them to understand when you're teaching for free, do you think they'll want to pay you to do more of the same?
Indeed not.
A confused mind doesn't buy.
It's a better result for you and for them if you keep things simple.
Are you ready to rethink the power of simplicity when sharing your genius?
I pray this blog post brought clarity about this topic.
Do you know who didn't have a problem with embracing simplicity? Jesus Christ.
When He taught He used simple stories and analogies to give people new knowledge using familiar things.
This inspired them to do different actions and appreciate the value of shifting their mindset and attitude.
You can learn to do the same when you work with me inside the VIP YOU-Nique Day Experience. Using my KAV Framework, you'll get everything you need to teach your expertise with confidence, creativity and simplicity.