Skip the Prelude: Why LinkedIn Doesn’t Need a ‘Let Me Explain’ Disclaimer
For unknown reasons, many so-called LinkedIn experts love sharing the most ordinary statement ever, followed by “let me explain.” This phenomenon seems limited to LinkedIn and is most often used by influencers looking to build their presence on LinkedIn. I guarantee that whatever the opening statement is, it is nothing extraordinary or earth-shattering. Instead, it is likely to be mundane and dull. Let me explain.
In normal conversations, normal people do not announce that they will explain something to you. Those who do are usually trying to sell you something. (The obvious exception here is teachers. They sometimes need to state “Let me explain” so that students pay attention.) “Let me explain” is inelegant. It condescends to your readers.
“I actually enjoy going into the office. Let me explain.”
No one wants you to explain. If you’re going to make great posts that drive engagement on LinkedIn, your posts should sound like a normal conversation. Not overly pedantic. Not like a Ted Talk. Not like a sales pitch.
At its core, LinkedIn is a platform of communication. Communication is a balancing act, and it’s easy to start questioning yourself. Is this too complicated? Does this give a thorough explanation? Have I assumed too much knowledge?
When engaging your audience, stick to only the necessary information. The fewer new pieces of information you introduce, the better chance your audience will have of remembering them. Anyone who has searched for a recipe online knows what I’m talking about. You google “best chili recipe,” and now you have to wade through nonsense like:
I bet you’re here to find the best chili recipe ever! Well, look no further! We have the ABSOLUTE BEST CHILI RECIPE EVER! Got beans? You got chili recipes!
The heartbreaking story behind why this is the best chili ever.
This chili recipe saved my marriage. It can help save yours, too!
Everyone—and I mean EVERYONE—finds this annoying and elates in the “Jump to Recipe” button.
Excess information makes an explanation less clear than it could be and might also come across like you’re trying to show how clever you are. Phrases like “Let’s break that down” or “Let me explain that for you” can appear like you’re trying to remind the audience that they don’t know something (and that you do). This is often the case on LinkedIn, where the so-called expert ostensibly shares some super-secret knowledge or insight that is either common sense or extraneous drivel.
If you want to create engaging, compelling content that builds your professional brand on LinkedIn, please don’t explain. Please don’t unpack, break down, or dive in. Just impart your knowledge or perspective to your audience. Use a human voice and share useful information that has practical application in the world.
And remember, the next time you’re tempted to write ‘Let me explain’ on LinkedIn, consider this: We don't start our office coffee breaks with ‘Let me explain how I take my coffee.’ Sometimes, it’s just better to serve the coffee (or in this case, the content) straight up, no unnecessary froth!