Most ideas don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because no one understands them.

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You can have the smartest strategy, the most innovative solution, or the most passionate mission but if people don’t get it quickly, they’ll tune out.

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In this episode of The Storytellers Edge, we’re breaking down the two biggest reasons smart ideas get ignored, and how to fix your message before your next high-stakes pitch, meeting, or presentation.

Mistake #1: The Curse of Knowledge

You’re the expert. You’ve lived, breathed, and maybe even bled for your idea.

So you try to explain everything, the data, the features, the research, the nuance.

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The result? You overwhelm people with way too much information.

(We call it the “fog of words.” It’s real. And it’s deadly.)

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Pro tip: Your audience doesn’t need to know everything you know. They just need the insight that makes them go: “Ohhh, now I get it.”

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Mistake #2: The Alignment Gap

This one’s subtle but brutal. You’re thinking about what you want to say.

Instead of what they actually want to know.

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That investor? They care about ROI.
That donor? They want to feel something.
That buyer? They just need to hit their target this quarter.

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Shift your mindset: You’re not the hero. They are. You’re the guide. You’re Yoda with a slide deck.

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Here's the Fix: The Audience-First Framework

Ready to finally land your message? Here’s what to do:

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1. Start with the audience
Who are you talking to? Be specific.

2. Know what they want
What are they trying to accomplish? What’s their goal, target, or burning desire?

3. Call out the problem
Say it clearly. Loudly. And in their words.

“You’re pitching like crazy… but no one’s writing checks.”

4. Insert your solution
Show how your idea helps them win faster. Make it feel obvious, emotional, and urgent.

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How to Test If You’re Actually Clear

Before you take your message into a high-stakes room, try this:

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✔ Pitch it to a 5th grader or your grandma

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If they say “tell me more,” you’re good.
If they say “huh?”… go back and simplify. The goal isn’t to dumb it down, it’s to make it instantly understandable to someone outside your bubble.

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✔ Condense it to one sentence

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Boil your entire idea down into one sharp, clear sentence that anyone could repeat.
For example:

“If founders could explain their product in plain English, they’d close more deals.”

✔ Get feedback from someone outside your industry

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Grab a friend, partner, or colleague who’s not familiar with your space. Share your message, and watch their reaction. Do they get it? Can they repeat it back to you? Do they ask smart follow-up questions—or go blank?
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Their confusion = your opportunity to clarify.

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The Bottom Line

If your message isn’t landing, it’s not your idea—it’s your explanation.

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Fix the curse of knowledge. Close the alignment gap. Use the framework. Test early.

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And if you want help sharpening your message so it slices through the noise like a hot knife through jargon?

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Let’s talk. → https://www.motive3.com/contact-us

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Takeaways

• People reject ideas not because they are bad, but because they don't understand them.

• The curse of knowledge leads to overcomplicated explanations.

• Simplifying your message is crucial for audience understanding.

• Avoid jargon and insider language to enhance clarity.

• Understanding your audience's goals is key to effective communication.

• Frame your message to show how it benefits the audience.

• Capture attention within the first 10-30 seconds of communication.

• State the problem clearly to engage your audience.

• Testing your message with a fifth grader or grandma can reveal clarity issues.

• Condensing your message into one sentence can improve focus.

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