Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

I'm stealing that comment from Stephen Covey apparently, but I wanted to discuss it in regard to technical training or writing of any kind. When you are writing a book or an article or giving a presentation, try to stay focused on the concept you are trying to convey.

For example, if I wanted to teach you about addition, I might start with an example like this:

1 + 1 = 2

Simple, easy to understand, to the point.

Often with technical materials I run across something like this.

1 + 1 + (3 * 2) + ((1 * 2) / 2) = 9

"Above is a simple example of addition. Notice I can add two numbers like 1 and 1. But if I include multiplication and division, that is where you can see the real power of addition!"

Multiplication and division are really cool concepts. But if I am trying to teach addition, they are just distractions. And, if my audience does not understand multiplication or division, I have just lost them.

Feature completeness does not equal clarity. Keep the main thing the main thing. Stick to the addition.