As an editor, I’m always on the alert for passages where writers assume some knowledge that their readers may actually not have. When you’re the expert on your topic, this is a particularly easy trap to fall into.
Today while I was working out at the gym, this hazard was highlighted in an amusing way.
A woman I hadn’t met before was talking to the owner about her upcoming trip to Las Vegas and commented that her family was going there for her granddaughter’s first birthday.
I was shocked! I’ve heard incredible stories about over-the-top birthday celebrations for very young children, but this really took the cake. A trip to Vegas for your first birthday?
I didn’t want to be rude, but I just couldn’t stand it.
“Did you say ‘one-year-old’?” I asked, as politely as I could. “Yes,” she replied.
“And you’re taking her to Vegas for her first birthday???”
“She lives there!” the grandmother replied. “I guess you haven’t heard me talking about her before.”
We shared a good laugh over my misunderstanding and continued our workout.
On the way home, I reflected that this was a good example of someone assuming too much knowledge on the part of the audience . . . and it is.
But I was chastened when I realized it was also a good example of jumping to conclusions!
Not only did I automatically assume the worst, but it never occurred to me to think of Vegas as a place where people actually live. Of course I know they do, but I tend to think of it only as a tourist destination (if you’re into that kind of thing) and conference venue.
So I guess the last laugh is on me!