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Are You Really an Expert? Prove It...

by JohnMcCabe
74 replies
From time to time, we talk about what defines an 'expert'. Is it just someone who knows a bit more than the audience he serves? Is it someone who has read more books? Or does it require the blessing of some higher authority?

I'm going to give you a new way to look at expertise.

I just finished reading the latest issue of TalkBiz News, by our own Paul Myers. He made the point that, if someone does not understand what you are saying, it doesn't necessarily mean they have some kind of intellectual deficiency (six-bit phrase for 'they're dumb'). It might just mean they don't have the background to understand the concept, and that you need to be prepared to explain in terms they understand.

Which leads to this take on expertise and 'being an expert'.

For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand. It doesn't matter if your topic is SEO, steak sauce or shoe shopping.

If you tell me to buy a certain pair of shoes, and I ask why, and all you can do is feed me a list of features, you are not an expert. If you can explain to me that a certain stitching pattern or design feature indicates a long and useful life for those shoes, and do it in plain language, you just might be an expert.

So I put it out for discussion...

Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

Or is it simpler than that?
#expert #prove
  • Profile picture of the author valkerie
    Expertise is subjective. If I can explain to my Mom how to program her VCR, I become an instant electronics expert to her.

    If you can remember that half the people you talk to about SEO don't know what you are talking about - at all - if you can explain concepts to them in a way that makes it understandable - you become an expert.

    Whether you know your *ss from your elbow is a different story. And that's why people progress through guru's, hopefully gaining different or greatly expanded knowledge from each person.

    And, I never think of it as dumbing it down. Many people are more knowledgeable than I am in other areas, and have talents I don't.
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    • Profile picture of the author fedor50
      Originally Posted by valkerie View Post

      Expertise is subjective. If I can explain to my Mom how to program her VCR, I become an instant electronics expert to her.

      If you can remember that half the people you talk to about SEO don't know what you are talking about - at all - if you can explain concepts to them in a way that makes it understandable - you become an expert.

      Whether you know your *ss from your elbow is a different story. And that's why people progress through guru's, hopefully gaining different or greatly expanded knowledge from each person.

      And, I never think of it as dumbing it down. Many people are more knowledgeable than I am in other areas, and have talents I don't.
      This. If you know more than someone on a given subject or topic, they will by definition, view you as an expert.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by fedor50 View Post

        This. If you know more than someone on a given subject or topic, they will by definition, view you as an expert.
        Being "viewed as an expert" by people without the background or context to recognize actual expertise is hardly the same thing as "being an expert."

        In the post you quoted, being able to set a VCR makes you an 'electronics expert'? It means you can set a VCR. If you can set enough different VCRs, without needing the manual, you might qualify as an expert VCR-setter. Maybe.

        The problem with being 'viewed as an expert' while lacking true expertise is that it is way too easy to look silly when something not covered in the book you read at the library or the handful of articles you read on a directory pops up. Or when a real expert shows up and ties you in knots. Or, more commonly among IMers I've seen, their pseudo-expertise is woefully out of date - but they try to peddle their outdated knowledge to those who know even less.

        Being viewed as an expert may let you get away with peddling an ebook to the ignorant about a subject, but it doesn't make you an expert.
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  • Profile picture of the author Walter Parrish
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post


    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    The ability to explain high level concepts in a way that non experts can understand would make someone a good Teacher not necessarily an expert. The expert would be the one who can actually work with those high level concepts.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      I think that could just mean you read a few books and you're good at conveying things in ways people will understand.

      Not necessarily an expert, but you might be.

      I think an expert is a name people have bestowed upon you. If you have to prove it, you aren't one.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    So I put it out for discussion...

    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    Hey John,

    IMO, this is confusing the difference between being an expert and a good teacher.

    A cobler may be an expert on shoes, but poor at explaining the benefits of his shoes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeff Burritt
      Banned
      Kurt is right. Being an expert and a good teacher are two different things.

      Regardless, people buy to satisfy themselves. And they will buy from whoever says so.



      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      Hey John,

      IMO, this is confusing the difference between being an expert and a good teacher.

      A cobler may be an expert on shoes, but poor at explaining the benefits of his shoes.
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    • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      Hey John,

      IMO, this is confusing the difference between being an expert and a good teacher.

      A cobler may be an expert on shoes, but poor at explaining the benefits of his shoes.
      I have a really good friend who is an expert guitar player. Been playing it since he was a kid. Aspires to be a rockstar. Without a doubt he knows his stuff.

      But he's also a terrible teacher. I NEVER ask him how to do things, because for whatever reason when he tries to explain something we always end up with 2+2=24. LOL. It's quite comical really.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
    To me, a real expert is someone who has a great depth
    of knowledge and experience in their subject area.

    Whether or not they can explain it to a non-expert in
    simple terms does not add or take away from the level
    of their expertise.

    Back in 1994 when I was in the final year of my degree
    in Mechanical and Materials Engineering I was 'taught'
    by a number of different lecturers and professors. (I
    use the term very loosely!).

    Often, it seemed that the ones who had the most
    qualifications and published research papers in the area,
    were the poorest communicators of their subject. But
    the depth of their expertise was greater than their peers.

    So, expertise and the ability to teach it to others are
    two different things that aren't necessarily tied together.

    However, I will say that I have more respect for experts
    who CAN teach their subjects well and adjust their
    material to suit the audience they're communicating
    with.

    Dedicated to mutual success,

    Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author Kal Sallam
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    Here the definition according to Dictionary.con:

    Expert: (A person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field.)


    I don't believe to be an expert at something you need to
    have the "ability to explain high-level concepts in a way
    the average Joe can understand easily"

    Perhaps one could be an expert at:

    "Explaining high-level concepts in a way
    ordinary folks can understand" ?

    -Doctors and specialists do it day in and day out.
    My doctor does to me all the time, he speaks in
    Medical terminology all the time which sometimes
    Is hard for me to comprehend...

    So is my doctor still an expert on the subject even
    Though I had some difficulty understanding him?

    You bet....

    Anyway good point I liked it.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Well John, I'm with you most of the way on this. I've been known to complain about the poor quality of a lot of videos and other info products. For many of them it's obvious that the creator knows what s/he's talking about but they fall way short in making the concept clear enough so someone else can actually implement a certain strategy. That bugs me to no end.

    I've gotta laugh when someone who became a member here last week starts a thread wanting to know how to launch a WSO or a product outside of this forum. I understand there are some folks with enough valuable knowledge to do that but most are clueless.

    Essentially, you're saying that someone who can do an effective job of teaching or communicating a method is an expert. I'm not sure. I guess I'd be interested in seeing the actual definition of the word expert. But at least in spirit I hear what your saying and agree.
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  • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
    I like to think that if I can't explain it so my (couldn't care less about this internetweb-thingy) wife understands it I don't know enough about the subject. Having a teaching background helps.

    This is also why teachers sometimes asks the best students to help weaker students. Explaining a concept to someone else is the best way to make sure you understand it.

    I remember back when the .NET framework was still on the 1.1 edition I was tasked by my new employer to do teach .NET to web designers. Designers have a significantly different outlook on technology than developers, but do have a good technical background.

    What I found was I had to make sure they could visualize the concepts they were being taught. I have never done so much UI work in my life, but we managed to get a 70% certification rate which is pretty darn good with a group of students with no development experience.

    The point is, before you even try to teach something you have to make sure you know who you are teaching. Putting yourself in their position is paramount to learning.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    Which leads to this take on expertise and 'being an expert'.

    For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand.
    What you have defined is a teacher, not an expert. An expert is required to excel at "doing", not "teaching".
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    • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      Wrong.

      What you have defined is a teacher, not an expert. An expert is required to excel at "doing", not "teaching".
      Personally, I would rather learn from someone who is the best at conveying the information than from someone who is the best at doing it without the ability to convey it. The first person would still know enough about the subject to actually do what he teaches. The latter individual might be the best at what he does, but if he can't teach he is useless to me.
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      • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
        Originally Posted by hebsgaard View Post

        Personally, I would rather learn from someone who is the best at conveying the information than from someone who is the best at doing it without the ability to convey it. The first person would still know enough about the subject to actually do what he teaches. The latter individual might be the best at what he does, but if he can't teach he is useless to me.
        So you would rather listen to someone who talks the walk rather than someone who actually walks the walk? really?... :rolleyes:

        I don't know about you, but I'd rather listen to Warren Buffet, Bill Gates or Donald Trump (regardless of how flourish their speech is) than to a Harvard professor in business economics who's never actually run a successful business himself.

        In my opinion, there are too many teachers and too few real experts, especially in the IM mentoring field.
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        • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
          Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

          So you would rather listen to someone who talks the walk rather than someone who actually walks the walk? really?... :rolleyes:
          Sometimes, yeah. I used to hang with a guy who was a whiz on the computer. He could get it to to all kinds of stuff. He really walked the walk as you say. But he sucked at teaching. In fact a lot of people who walk the walk suck at teaching.

          You can go to college and get all the book knowledge there is about business and marketing from people who've never actually done any of it themselves. Is the knowledge bad? Not usually. People get the theory and put it to use in the real world and learn as they go.

          Obviously, it would be ideal to learn from a real doer but it's not always practical and not always essential either.
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        • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
          Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

          So you would rather listen to someone who talks the walk rather than someone who actually walks the walk? really?... :rolleyes:
          Not what I'm saying at all!

          Of course I prefer a situation where my teacher is actually very good at what he teaches.

          Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

          I don't know about you, but I'd rather listen to Warren Buffet, Bill Gates or Donald Trump (regardless of how flourish their speech is) than to a Harvard professor in business economics who's never actually run a successful business himself.
          Sure, those guys are inspirational, but if they can't convey their knowledge I won't be able to apply the knowledge. Incidentally, I do believe those guys are pretty darn good at conveying their knowledge. Teaching and marketing has a lot in common. If you do it right you won't have to convince your audience to "buy in" to what you're saying.

          Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

          In my opinion, there are too many teachers and too few real experts, especially in the IM mentoring field.
          You're probably right about the "too few real experts" part. I don't agree on the "too many teachers" part. A good teacher is worth his weight in gold and if there were more good teachers in the IM mentoring field more people would share success stories. Teaching is very difficult and those who do it well deserve respect!

          Loving this discussion btw!
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        • Profile picture of the author fin
          Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

          So you would rather listen to someone who talks the walk rather than someone who actually walks the walk? really?... :rolleyes:
          Yes, probably.

          I think being an expert, teacher, and let's not forget marketer means you could crush it.

          I've been taught engineering concepts by people who like to hear the sound of their own voice. It's not pretty. Even though these things could be really easy to learn, some people try and make it as hard as possible for you.

          I wouldn't say I'm stupid, but I do like to read things that are easy to get through. Reading something from someone that likes the sound of their own voice(or words) is really annoying and I find it makes it much harder to read.
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      • Profile picture of the author onSubie
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        What you have defined is a teacher, not an expert. An expert is required to excel at "doing", not "teaching".
        I was going to make the same point as AA, you are more talking about a "teacher" than an "expert". But that's just my opinion as both "teacher" and "expert" are very loosely defined terms. So I know what you mean.


        Originally Posted by hebsgaard View Post

        Personally, I would rather learn from someone who is the best at conveying the information than from someone who is the best at doing it without the ability to convey it. The first person would still know enough about the subject to actually do what he teaches. The latter individual might be the best at what he does, but if he can't teach he is useless to me.
        Like you, I would rather learn from a teacher.

        I also think, implied with your premise, that any non-expert teacher needs to have enough practical experience in their field to think and find solutions outside of the theory and learning they know; but it doesn't have to be at the 'expert' level.

        But I agree, that an expert does not always make a great teacher, and a great teacher doesn't need to have "walked the talk" to successfully teach expert students.

        This is especially evident in sports. Many of the top coaches and trainers were only moderately successful in their own career, for example never made a pro team, but have the ability to get the "best" out of other athletes. Conversely, many of the top performers fail miserably when trying to make the transition from a performer to a trainer or coach.

        Anyone want Wayne Gretzky behind the bench?

        How about Scotty Bowman, the winningest hockey coach of all time? He never played beyond the minor leagues.

        Mahlon
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        • Profile picture of the author Chris Silvey
          There is a line between creativity and social communications. Autism is a perfect example. Lacking Social Skill, yet possessing a high degree of logical thinking.
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        • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
          Originally Posted by onSubie View Post

          Many of the top coaches and trainers were only moderately successful in their own career, for example never made a pro team, but have the ability to get the "best" out of other athletes. Conversely, many of the top performers fail miserably when trying to make the transition from a performer to a trainer or coach.
          You make a great point.

          Having a certain level of expertise does not necessarily
          mean that you can improve the performance of another
          person.

          In fact, there are cases where having more expertise in a
          subject area can actually impede the ability of the expert
          to help their students improve.

          I remember reading about a case where some ski coaches
          were being used to improve the performance of beginning
          skiers. There was a shortage of ski coaches and instead
          some tennis coaches came in to help some of the beginners.

          The weird thing they found was that the tennis coaches
          helped the beginners improve their ski performance more
          the the 'expert' ski coaches did.

          Why?

          The tennis coaches didn't presume that they knew it all
          and simply helped the beginners diagnose what help they
          really needed and they helped them as best they could.

          In contrast, the ski coaches listened less and tried to
          force their expert knowledge on their beginners and this
          hindered rather than helped improve performance.

          So expertise, teaching ability and being able to help
          someone improve their performance are different things.

          Dedicated to mutual success,

          Shaun
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          • Profile picture of the author mitchmelkonian
            Banned
            thanks Shaun!

            Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

            You make a great point.

            Having a certain level of expertise does not necessarily
            mean that you can improve the performance of another
            person.

            In fact, there are cases where having more expertise in a
            subject area can actually impede the ability of the expert
            to help their students improve.

            I remember reading about a case where some ski coaches
            were being used to improve the performance of beginning
            skiers. There was a shortage of ski coaches and instead
            some tennis coaches came in to help some of the beginners.

            The weird thing they found was that the tennis coaches
            helped the beginners improve their ski performance more
            the the 'expert' ski coaches did.

            Why?

            The tennis coaches didn't presume that they knew it all
            and simply helped the beginners diagnose what help they
            really needed and they helped them as best they could.

            In contrast, the ski coaches listened less and tried to
            force their expert knowledge on their beginners and this
            hindered rather than helped improve performance.

            So expertise, teaching ability and being able to help
            someone improve their performance are different things.

            Dedicated to mutual success,

            Shaun
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    • Profile picture of the author rrm
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      What you have defined is a teacher, not an expert. An expert is required to excel at "doing", not "teaching".
      Unless the teaching is the doing, such as what teachers do. It's possible to be great (and an expert) at doing, but not being able to teach it. It's also possible to be great at teaching some subjects, but not able to do it. It's also possible to be an expert teacher, one who knows how to impart information in such a way so as to affect change in behavior, without which teaching has not actually been done. But that's another subject.

      Ron
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I think the ability to make the complex simple is a form of ingenuity, which in my opinion... also qualifies you to be an expert of the subject.
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  • Profile picture of the author chronicleseo
    There are teachers, doers, a mix of both and then others... What defines an expert varies greatly by what the topic is...
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  • Profile picture of the author DianaHeuser
    John,

    Outstanding question. Thank you.

    One of my favourite quotes is this:

    " If you would thoroughly know anything, teach it to others." Tryon Edwards

    I am not an expert by any means in any area, but, I do know a lot more than some people and to those people I am an expert.

    For those people that I help or teach or do something for them that they cannot do themselves (yet) I am the expert. But there will be a point where some of them will go on and learn more about a particular subject and know more about it than me.

    Then I become the student again.

    My point is that even if we are an 'expert' in something, there is always someone who knows far more than us, and always something new that we have to learn.

    Di (the eternal newbie )
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  • Profile picture of the author JayParker
    Some experts don't know how to explain themselves, some non-experts do. I think is more having the knowledge more above average that makes you an expert on any given topic, then knowing how to explain its just practice.
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  • Profile picture of the author shane_k
    I think people who can explain high level concepts in ways that others can understand might not necessarily be experts but they do have great communication skills.


    Another point I guess, is let's say that you are NOT an expert, but you do have good communication skils and are able to explain those concepts in ways that others can easily understand, well guess what, even though you aren't an expert, those people who are you just explained those things to will look at you as an expert, even if you aren't.

    Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author contentwriting360
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    You can't explain color to the blind.
    This was asked to me when I was interviewed (during those rat race days). This is what I answered assuming that the person is blind since birth.

    Color is an abstract matter. Abstract things are best examples when illustrating something to the blind. Love is an abstract matter. People who have visions associate 'red' to 'love.' People who can see have not smelled, tasted, touched, heard, nor literally seen it but they have felt it. A blind person can only feel (sometimes, there are those who can't even hear). Love can be felt. People with and without the sense of vision do feel love. So, associating love to red will make the blind person relate to what you're describing.

    I know this may be (or is) an off topic but I just want to share how one may respond when asked that question on an interview.

    Just sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    I'll have to go along with Niels Bohr: "An expert is someone who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a narrow field."
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Wow... Thanks to all who contributed.

      This went in a little different direction than I thought it would, but that's OK because I think I got a better discussion.

      I read Paul's take on things, and then thought about it some. What I remembered was trying to communicate with so-called experts who could sound really 'smart', and were using those smarts to attempt to get me to buy something.

      Where they lost me was when I asked a basic question. They gave me the textbook answer, and when that didn't click, gave it to me again. They probably thought I was just too dumb to understand.

      I found another 'expert' - more in the line of the coaches people mentioned above. He wasn't outstanding in his field, in fact, he was retired. But the product was his passion - you could tell from entering his shop, before he ever spoke. He just flat out knew his stuff.

      I asked him the same newbie question. He thought a moment, and gave me a two-sentence, no-jargon explanation that made perfect sense. In fact, it made the earlier answers more comprehensible.

      Was he more 'expert' than the book-smart salespeople? Or was he just a better teacher (and I use the word 'just' with caution when referring to teaching)?
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
        - Albert Einstein
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        • Profile picture of the author Walter Parrish
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
          - Albert Einstein
          well, i really wouldn't put it all on the expert. people from my pov are just dumber these days. we normally always tell people to let us know if they have any questions. these days people are so ego driven and just plain dumb that they don't even bother to ask questions, but are quick to down the expert.

          if i was explain einsteins theory and my audience are on a 5th grade level lol they probably wouldn't be able to grasp, if they don't ask questions then most times you assume that they understand. btw einstein was wrong lol. I was at a major university when a physics prof won his case in court, and the court said that they weren't going to go back and change the books.
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  • Profile picture of the author DaveCraige
    in my opinion - an expert is someone who has successfully completed a difficult project or task.
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  • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    From time to time, we talk about what defines an 'expert'. Is it just someone who knows a bit more than the audience he serves? Is it someone who has read more books? Or does it require the blessing of some higher authority?

    I'm going to give you a new way to look at expertise.

    I just finished reading the latest issue of TalkBiz News, by our own Paul Myers. He made the point that, if someone does not understand what you are saying, it doesn't necessarily mean they have some kind of intellectual deficiency (six-bit phrase for 'they're dumb'). It might just mean they don't have the background to understand the concept, and that you need to be prepared to explain in terms they understand.

    Which leads to this take on expertise and 'being an expert'.

    For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand. It doesn't matter if your topic is SEO, steak sauce or shoe shopping.

    If you tell me to buy a certain pair of shoes, and I ask why, and all you can do is feed me a list of features, you are not an expert. If you can explain to me that a certain stitching pattern or design feature indicates a long and useful life for those shoes, and do it in plain language, you just might be an expert.

    So I put it out for discussion...

    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    No, No, NO!!! All you have to do to be an expert is search google for at least an hour, or read an eBook (Haven't you read any WSOs?)

    Quit tryin to complicate things - yer makin it sound like work! :rolleyes:
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    I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    I look for experts who understand their field well enough to adapt to many different situations and circumstances. That is what really shows you a person has a good understanding of a topic and that they are not just a one trick pony or someone who got lucky.
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    • Profile picture of the author Walter Parrish
      Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

      I look for experts who understand their field well enough to adapt to many different situations and circumstances. That is what really shows you a person has a good understanding of a topic and that they are not just a one trick pony or someone who got lucky.
      I'm guessing you haven't met any real geeks. I mean the guys who can grasp higher concepts and all as experts, but cannot tie their shoes, or get home on their own, or do many of the things we find to be simple???
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    You can't explain color to the blind.
    Good thing no one told that to Anne Sullivan or Helen Keller.

    Back to the question John asked:

    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?
    My answer is a resounding YES!

    In my opinion, an expert is someone with advanced skills or expertise who is able to use those skills to communicate high level concepts to their intended audience at such a level that the intended audience both understands, and benefits from.

    Dumbing down is condescending. A true expert never resorts to condescension.

    As Paul says:

    It might just mean they don't have the background to understand the concept, and that you need to be prepared to explain in terms they understand.
    Explaining something in terms someone understands is quite different from "the deliberate diminishment of the intellectual level of the content."

    I have seen Paul explain many things in terms that are easy to understand; I have never seen him 'dumb down' or diminish the intellectual level of his content.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      I have seen Paul explain many things in terms that are easy to understand; I have never seen him 'dumb down' or diminish the intellectual level of his content.
      You probably never will. I have far too high an opinion of the intelligence of most people to be disrespectful to them as a group.

      There are occasional individuals who deserve to be spoken to in dismissive or condescending terms, but people as a whole? No way. That's just rude.

      Back to the topic... I think some folks confuse "teacher" with "expert." To teach someone responsibly, you have to know your topic well enough to impart new knowledge to the student, in ways that don't create problems to those learning from you.

      Expert is a whole other level of experience. Note that the two words come from the same root, and you'll get the difference.


      Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author ExRat
      Hi John,

      Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

      So I put it out for discussion...

      Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

      Or is it simpler than that?
      I don't know, I'm not an expert on this subject

      But I do believe that it's a really valuable skill to possess, not least because if you KNOW that you can do this and you're not afraid to be asked ANY question about a subject on your chosen trade (and you combine this with honesty - IE - having the guts to admit when you don't know the answer - but offer to look into it and report back), the confidence radiates from you in a way which attracts prospects who will try and close the deal with YOU to be their go-to-guy, because it becomes a matter of pride to them to have landed someone who they feel is one of the best in the field and because your confidence radiates and makes them feel confident too.

      When the business area is 'internet' which for many non-techies is like a different language (hence, they are vulnerable to 'sharks') this combination of skills (experience, confidence, honesty and the ability to explain in simple format) appears to be what many clients are seeking.

      Originally Posted by I.M.Retired View Post

      I have seen Paul explain many things in terms that are easy to understand; I have never seen him 'dumb down' or diminish the intellectual level of his content.
      I think I was dumbed-down at state school. Just to confound their evil plans, I've been working on this for some time and now I'm much more dumbed-up.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianCorcoran
    A valid point, but some people find it harder then others to get there point across to beginners when there is such a gulf in knowledge and experience. Talking to beginners takes time and patience, two things that alot of people just dont have.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Another concept...You can also be a good "reporter/researcher/reviewer" to offer valuable info. I don't need to be an expert in Photoshop or a good teacher of Photoshop to come up with a list of 20 great free Photoshop plugins.

    I can also simply be a good student and currate what Photoshop tutorial videos on Youtube were the most helpful to me, leveraging the expertise and teaching ability of others.
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  • Profile picture of the author eugenedm
    It can be difficult to define what an expert really is. But if they know what to do and it really works then I can say that guy could be an expert. Perhaps, the basic definition of an expert is someone who knows a particular topic inside and out and can explain this to anyone with no problems.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    What you're describing is essentially teaching - being able to explain new information in a way that people can grasp and retain it. Which is a discipline and skill unto itself.

    Expertise is simply a deep knowledge of a specific topic. You don't have to be a good teacher to be an expert. However, if you are an expert AND a teacher, then you can achieve that guru or elite consultant status that so many aim for in our industry.
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand. It doesn't matter if your topic is SEO, steak sauce or shoe shopping.
    What you are describing here is a good teacher and not an expert. An expert might be able to do things and not explain them so you could understand.

    If you are an expert then good for you. If you are an expert and a good teacher then good for all of us
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  • Profile picture of the author bhushan@rancor
    I am agree with KURT. we can make some things but we don't know the actual value of that things some time.
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  • Profile picture of the author MatthewWoodward
    I believe over the years I have developed my skill set and knowledge to call myself an expert in my field. I've been playing with SEO since before link building existed and you could just load up a page and list thousands of keywords in white text on a white background to claim multiple number 1 spots.

    Recently I've branched out to teaching this knowledge and I really do have a hard time with breaking things down so others can understand. Its a skill I have never really appreciated in people but it's much harder than it looks.

    But a True Expert is someone that lives and breathes what they do and enjoys every minute of it, whether that's an SEO, architect or sugeon. Someone who has a true passion for what they do will constantly be evolving, learning and developing their skillset.
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    You can indeed be an expert at something, but still not be any good at explaining it.

    I'd suggest that an "expert" is someone with extensive APPLIED KNOWLEDGE.

    It's one thing to have knowledge. It's another thing to have a body of experience in applying that knowledge to various situations over a period of time.

    A person can know many textbook martial arts forms. But only by executing them repetitively do these become ingrained into muscular memory sufficient to be a reflexive action.

    A medical student can know anatomy and lots of sequences of medical procedures, but unless he or she has actually spent time in the field practicing, the textbook knowlede is theoretical.
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    • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      extensive APPLIED KNOWLEDGE.
      Now THAT is the difference between a teacher and an expert: actually doing.
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      • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
        I don't teach often, and therefore my confidence level when I'm teaching is somewhat tenuous - I taught mostly subjects that I was an "expert" in (at least according to MS ), but the one time I remember teaching something I was 'somewhat' familiar with (was pressed into service) - my confidence level sucked, and it showed in my teaching.

        Maybe the question here is: Does it take a teacher to be an expert, or does it take an expert to be a teacher?
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  • Profile picture of the author HelpingYouBeAnExpert
    Paid $600 (like a decade ago) to get a microphone said a few worked (less then 2 minutes) never did what I talked about, people rushed to ask questions. I was shocked they they considered me an expert. I sold $1500 in the hall hallway. Sold more years later. People still consider me and expert and pay me. I never lied or did the stuff I talked about. (or cheated or deceived).

    Plus I don't have a degree or background. You dont' have to go to space people to be an expert about space travel or sell tickets on Virgin Galactic.

    Most of you overcomplicate things in my opinion I know you don't agree with me but that is the truth.
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    I am going to contribute to this thread not because there is anything in particular that will differentiate my opinion from others, but, because this is a really thought provoking thread IMO.
    Anywho,
    In closing, applied knowledge and the ability to convey to your students is all that matters. What good is learning from a world renowned expert who is hiccius doccius in speech but unable to be a great agonistarch. Sure you give him credit for not being inaniloquent, but, really at the end you are left wanweird don't you think?
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    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      I love the term "Expert-induced amnesia".

      The idea is that experts often suck at teaching beginners because they have forgotten the problems they themselves faced when they started.

      My favourite expert-to-newbie advice: "Just build a website and then . . . "

      Martin
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      • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
        Originally Posted by Martin Luxton View Post

        I love the term "Expert-induced amnesia".

        The idea is that experts often suck at teaching beginners because they have forgotten the problems they themselves faced when they started.

        My favourite expert-to-newbie advice: "Just build a website and then . . . "

        Martin
        Great point Martin.

        Sometimes it's hard for an expert to remember what it
        was like to be a complete beginner and they ASSume
        prior knowledge that many newbies don't have.

        It's even hard for some great practitioners to teach
        others how to do a particular skill or learn a subject.

        For example, Tiger Woods would probably be one of the
        worst people to teach golf to a beginner because he's
        so far ahead and has forgotten what it was like to first
        pick up a golf club.

        The ability to teach effectively is a separate skill from
        the ability to know a subject or skill inside and out.

        Some have one and not the other. Some have both.
        (And unfortunately, some have neither!).

        Dedicated to mutual success,

        Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Well, as I read through this thread every point I wanted to make had already been made, some repeatedly. So all I can add is this ... sometimes an expert is just someone who gave up being a pert. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I have used that term about myself on some of my marketing. Since becoming an Expert on such a new industry like Internet Marketing and Social Media, is like the Wild Wild West...I feel comfortable using that term. I have put time in learning including hundreds of hours of webinars, training courses and hands on experience. I have gained more confidence over the past several years using that phrase. I would say that a majority of us in this Forum are experts, especially compared to the rest of the world...
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  • Profile picture of the author LorrieJean
    There is a huge difference between having Mastery in a field and Experts

    I know a lot of Masters who are forever students and would never say they are an expert. I know a TON of experts who could stand to talk to the masters in their field of expertise. It's subjective

    Now~~ what do you need to do to be an expert In Your field of Business? Do you have to feel it? Be granted a piece of paper? Get awarded a honor? Appear on TV? Write a book? Does someone have to tell you, you are one? How will you know you are an expert? What ever it is for you or your field, I hope you are one now or become a great one very soon!
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  • Profile picture of the author KickAss Marketing
    For me expert is when you excel in your own domain, you can solve problems right away you have full control of what you are doing or with your business. It really depends with the persons capacity you may think your an expert but for they might think you are not. But if you are confident that you are good at what you do then you don't need to prove that to anyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author capitalalchemy
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    From time to time, we talk about what defines an 'expert'. Is it just someone who knows a bit more than the audience he serves? Is it someone who has read more books? Or does it require the blessing of some higher authority?

    I'm going to give you a new way to look at expertise.

    I just finished reading the latest issue of TalkBiz News, by our own Paul Myers. He made the point that, if someone does not understand what you are saying, it doesn't necessarily mean they have some kind of intellectual deficiency (six-bit phrase for 'they're dumb'). It might just mean they don't have the background to understand the concept, and that you need to be prepared to explain in terms they understand.

    Which leads to this take on expertise and 'being an expert'.

    For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand. It doesn't matter if your topic is SEO, steak sauce or shoe shopping.

    If you tell me to buy a certain pair of shoes, and I ask why, and all you can do is feed me a list of features, you are not an expert. If you can explain to me that a certain stitching pattern or design feature indicates a long and useful life for those shoes, and do it in plain language, you just might be an expert.

    So I put it out for discussion...

    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    I agree John! I've taught guitar for instance to a lot of people. I'm a very accomplished player, but not the most knowledgeable for teaching.

    However, I would get students who had been struggling for ages with their old teachers who were major music nerds. I would then explain to them things in simpler terms, using analogies and comparisons, because I had to do that with myself as well. A teacher or expert is someone who can see the problem from many different angles.

    I also think that if you know a little bit more about something than most people, and that what you have to offer could help them...go for it! who cares if you are not a complete expert. If you can aid in any way, there should be nothing preventing you.

    We are very jaded on this forum about gurus and so forth. We tend to be skeptical of anything that anyone can offer.

    Helping a person can be the greatest gift.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaryPabelate
    Banned
    So without practical experience you can't be an expert!
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    • Profile picture of the author theory expert
      Banned
      Originally Posted by MaryPabelate View Post

      So without practical experience you can't be an expert!
      Or

      you could be an expert at sales and sell packages on infomercials never actually doing the thing you get people to buy. An expert at repurposing, repackaging, and, "modeling" your products after someone elses.

      Perceived as an expert because you look to part.:rolleyes:
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      • Profile picture of the author TheEye
        I consider anybody that knows more rules about a topic than I do, an expert. This knowledge can be conscious or unconscious.

        The true expert knows all the rules and when the rules do not apply (and what to do in these situations).

        It is easy to teach rules. It is only through much practice that you learn what to do when no rules apply.
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  • Profile picture of the author DesmondTan
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post


    Is the ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that non-experts can understand, without 'dumbing things down', and how those concepts fit together, a sign of a true expert?

    Or is it simpler than that?
    I believe in some niches it would be true, but in the IM niche or any other make money niches, it is way beyond simply being able to explain well the concepts but rather to be able to SUCCEED at the thing you claim to be good at to be recognised as an expert.

    I know all the basic concepts and can explain them to newbies, but till the day i am able to use the knowledge to turn myself into a success, i am still not a "true expert"
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    You know you're an expert if...

    5. The "little people" ask you for your autograph.
    4. Your mom and dad call you "sir" (or ma'am).
    3. Mail addressed to "Expert at [your zip code]" is delivered to you.
    2. You email your list from the beach while sipping a Margarita.
    1. You have unrestricted access to Area 51.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author nobita436
    A person can be considered as an expert if he has the complete knowledge over anything and also can do any type of work in that arena or with that tools.
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  • Profile picture of the author mKane
    The notion of an Expert is both relative and highly subjective.

    Experience has shown me that a group will acclaim someone as an expert if he/she can continually demonstrate an ability to solve a specific set of problems for them. They may do this through direct involvement or by offering effective advice. However, other groups may regard that individual's abilities as only minor or even pedestrian.

    In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by TheEye View Post

      I consider anybody that knows more rules about a topic than I do, an expert. This knowledge can be conscious or unconscious.

      The true expert knows all the rules and when the rules do not apply (and what to do in these situations).

      It is easy to teach rules. It is only through much practice that you learn what to do when no rules apply.
      Great point. Thanks...
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      • Profile picture of the author nipsyr
        I suppose I really am an expert in what I do even though I don't feel like one.

        The more years that pass by, the dumber I feel about my niche. Does that make sense?

        I have a pretty bleep impressive resume. Because I worked for this Fortune 500 company and solved certain problems for them, that makes me an expert.

        Because I consult and when I walk in the door, I am on it, that makes me an expert.

        I am walking around the room taking charge which is not like the ordinary cog in the wheel first day employee who meekly waits to be told where things are and what to do.

        Because I have worked all over the world doing what I do and regularly get calls to work because of my reputation, that makes me an expert.

        Am I a good teacher? Heck I don't know. Am I a good speaker? Not at all. I am learning how to be a good teacher.

        There is an "expert" in a related field who has made a fortune writing books and giving talks. His actual experience...he worked on one project doing this maybe 20 years ago and leveraged that into an industry of consulting and books. So there are experts who have the incredible gift of gab who are successful even though they haven't worked in the field for decades.

        people were in awe because he writes books, he gives talks, publishes papers, and gives seminars.

        I don't have that gift of gab. I am more of the classic awkward shy geek type.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

    For me, a true expert is someone whose knowledge of their subject is thorough enough to not only 'talk the talk' but explain it in terms those without the same background can understand.
    That might also suggest the "expert" to posess quality communication skills which they are readily willing to use (sometimes at painstaking length to convey a skill) - which in most situations isn't the case.

    I'm known in the logo design field, but as much as I've given tutorials I wouldn't feel confident nor particularly willing to guide anyone through that entire process at the drop of a hat regardless of any likely incentive that's placed before me. If it were so simple, I'd already have done so much more than I have already to teach others.

    Sometimes people are experts within their area because they have taken the time to research into the subject themselves which is sometimes a prolonged chore within it's own right and not one that can be conveyed so readily to the next person. It's for this reason that true experts could be argued to be so few and far between.

    No-one would need to know that their surgeon is competent in presenting surgery. They need only know that the person is comptent at performing surgery and being effective at communication within their working group only and it's that which should mark the sought proof.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

      No-one would need to know that their surgeon is competent in presenting surgery. They need only know that the person is comptent at performing surgery and being effective at communication within their working group only and it's that which should mark the sought proof.
      I was with you right up to this point.

      As an expert logo designer, I'm betting that if I were a client you could explain to me why my idiotic idea is idiotic without losing me as a client. Yes?

      And a really successful surgeon has to be able to explain the basics of a procedure to a patient well enough for that patient to make an informed decision.

      In both cases, the expert might have to use a pretty broad brush. But both the client and the patient should be able to understand what the designer or surgeon intends to do even if they aren't trying to teach that person to design logos or perform brain surgery.
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post


        As an expert logo designer, I'm betting that if I were a client you could explain to me why my idiotic idea is idiotic without losing me as a client. Yes?
        If the problem were idiotic, then it may also suggest it to be apparent, in which case I'd be confident that the next person could readily identify with it also and therefore provide critique which might be as simple and effective as my own.

        In the same respect most clients without hands on experience can explain what they want and have perfectly viable concepts but have no expertise.

        In a nutshell, I'd like to think I could point out what you already know and I'd first aim to do exactly that. That wouldn't depend upon 10+ years of designing and thus I'd have to uphold my opinion that expertise and communication are perhaps two seperate entities as much as they may compliment each other.

        And a really successful surgeon has to be able to explain the basics of a procedure to a patient well enough for that patient to make an informed decision.
        I'd assume in this scenario a conversation might be "dumbed-down" to extreme levels in contrast to the contents of their education in the associated topic.

        I wouldn't assume the next surgeon who posesses the same hands on ability to be any less than an expert if he can't deliver himself in fewer and / or more effective words though. I'd simply regard him to be an expert who's less efficient limited by his communication skills.

        How about if a person had something effective to say but they could only relay it through another person who could articulate for them? Would it take away from the expertise of the source because it wasn't delivered directly?

        Wouldn't we simply have an expert speaker / writer and an expert in their subject?
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  • Profile picture of the author satrap
    Lots of experts on this thread!...
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