Ten Attributes of an Explanation

In his brilliant book, The Art of Explanation, Ros Atkins introduces ten attributes that he looks for in any explanation.

1. Simplicity

2. Essential detail

3. Complexity

4. Efficiency

5. Precision

6. Context

7. No distractions

8. Engaging

9. Useful

10. Clarity of purpose

Most of the problems we have when not getting our message across is connected to not managing one or more of these.