The hazards of assuming too much
March 26, 2008 – 5:18 pmAs 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!
