The Forgetting Curve: Why Communication Must Stick

The picture in words

A circle around a gear-filled head silhouette links the three figures.

We forget a lot of what we hear.

Ever heard of the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve?

The forgetting curve is a mathematical formula by Hermann Ebbinghaus that originated in 1885. The curve demonstrated the rate at which information is forgotten over time if we don’t attempt to retain it.

Studies suggest that humans forget approximately 50% of new information within an hour of learning it. That goes up to an average of 66% within 24 hours.

That means we forget a lot.

That also means that people forget a lot of what you communicate.

You have to work hard to ensure your communication sticks.

If it doesn't stick, it won't move people.

The good news is, you can learn how to make your communication stick.

One place to start is to learn to communicate in a way that resonates with your audience's personality.

The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve illustrates how information retention declines over time without reinforcement. It …

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Source: Wildsparq on LinkedIn.