Over-elaboration
Over-elaboration refers to the act of excessively expanding on or detailing a subject, often leading to confusion, loss of clarity, or dilution of the main point. It can manifest in spoken or written communication where the speaker or writer includes an overwhelming amount of information, examples, or descriptions that overshadow the core message. over-elaboration can hinder effective communication and may frustrate or disengage the audience, making it difficult for them to grasp the intended meaning.
Over-elaboration meaning with examples
- In her presentation, the speaker fell into the trap of over-elaboration, describing every minor detail of her research method while neglecting to summarize her key findings. This left the audience confused and struggling to understand the implications of her work.
- The novel became a case study in over-elaboration, as the author spent entire chapters delving into the protagonist's backstory. Although intended to enrich the narrative, many readers found it detracted from the main plot and slowed the story's momentum.
- Over-elaboration often occurs in academic writing, where students may feel compelled to include lengthy discussions of related theories. The result is often a convoluted paper that obscures their thesis rather than clarifying it.
- During the team meeting, John's over-elaboration on the project timeline left everyone perplexed. Instead of providing a straightforward overview, he tangled himself in details that ultimately distracted from the urgency of meeting deadlines.
- As a teacher, it is essential to avoid over-elaboration in lessons, as it can lead to diminished student engagement. Short, clear explanations coupled with focused examples typically resonate better with learners than drawn-out, detailed discussions.
