In the context of effective communication, what is overuse of abstractions?

The concept of overuse of abstractions refers to the tendency to rely heavily on general or vague terms rather than using specific language. This can lead to misunderstandings or unclear communication, as listeners may interpret broad terms differently based on their own experiences or knowledge. In effective communication, specificity is crucial for ensuring that the message is understood as intended. For example, saying "aircraft" is a general term, while referring to "a Cessna 172" provides specific information that conveys a clear picture to the audience.

General terms can dilute the message and make it difficult for the receiver to grasp the specific points being discussed. Therefore, an effective communicator should balance between abstraction and specificity to ensure clarity and comprehension. This is why the option focuses on the lack of specificity, as it highlights the pitfalls of relying on vague language in communication.