tags: #publish links: [[Communication]], created: 2021-07-17 Sat --- # Principle of Least Astonishment applied in reverse to simplify communication I like to apply the [[Principal of Least Astonishment (Least Surprise)]] in reverse to allow me to simplify communication: *Rely on your audience assuming Principal of Least Surprise* about your communication. If you know how much context they have, and what they would assume by default, and if they would expect you to tell them if it was surprisingly different, you can probably leave the obvious bits out. Just tell them the surprising details or constraints. *This also communicates trust*. If you do direct them with all the details, and they don't want or need it, they may feel patronised, controlled, overruled or micromanaged [[How to avoid people feeling micro-managed]]