I used to think the more I explained something, the better others would understand it. That is only true if a.) you’re dealing with interested experts and b.) you are both engaging and can articulate clearly.
For the rest of the time, fewer words are more. Stick to the essentials. No fluff or extra stories, concepts, big words, etc. brief, abrupt, succinct, to-the-point are the way to communicate clearly.
–optional additional reading:
I’ve learned this from numerous clients whom I’ve worked with over the years. The more I try to explain to them something (or they try to explain what they’re looking for), the more bewildered we both get.
I can’t (and won’t) admonish my beloved clients on how to talk to me, but I can improve how I share info with them. So far, it’s made an enormous difference.