Use rubberducking for better explanations!

Have you ever heard of rubberducking? It’s a simple yet powerful technique that can help us understand and explain complex concepts more effectively. If not, stay tuned, as we’ll explain it in this episode.

The idea behind rubberducking is to explain something as if talking to a rubber duck. By verbalising our thoughts and breaking down the issue step by step, we gain clarity and insight, often finding ways we might have missed otherwise.

The process is straightforward. Imagine we’re trying to write an explanation of some research that’s just been completed. Instead of staring at our screen in frustration, we place a rubber duck on our desk and start explaining the research to it. As we start explaining, and describe what it means, we might suddenly realise what the main message should be or what’s important to understand about that research. The act of articulating what we’re trying to write forces us to think critically and thoroughly about each component, leading to a deeper understanding of what’s important.

Rubberducking can be applied to any field where problem-solving is required. Whether we’re organising a complex project, or trying to learn a new concept, explaining it to an inanimate listener can show gaps in our knowledge and help solidify our comprehension.

Why does this work? When we explain something out loud, we engage different cognitive processes than when we think silently. Speaking requires us to organise our thoughts coherently, and this mental structuring often reveals flaws or gaps that were previously unnoticed. The act of teaching or explaining also reinforces our memory, making it more likely that we’ll remember the information later.

While we don’t need an actual rubber duck to benefit from this technique, having a physical object can be a helpful reminder to take the time to explain things clearly. It also adds a bit of whimsy to the process, making it more enjoyable and less intimidating.

So next time you’re stuck on a problem or trying to learn something new, grab a rubber duck, your cat, a teddy bear, and start explaining! You might be surprised at how much clearer everything becomes. And remember, it’s not about the duck—it’s about the way explaining something out loud can transform our understanding and boost our memory.

Well, you’ve read our thoughts, now we’d like to hear yours! Share your experience with talking through processes or explanations in the comments below, and feel free to add any tips or further ideas you have. We don’t want this to be just a one-way conversation—join in and share your insights with us!

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All the best until next time, and happy rubberducking!