Talking to Jocks: Tips on explaining technical things to non-technical people.
Explaining technical concepts to non-technical people can be a challenging task, but it is an important skill to have, especially if you work in a technical field. Here are some tips for explaining technical things to non-technical people that I’ve developed over the course of my career:
Start with the basics: Before diving into the technical details, make sure to provide a basic overview of the concept. This will give your audience a foundation to build upon and make it easier for them to understand the more technical aspects.
Use analogies and examples: Analogies and examples can be a great way to explain technical concepts in a way that is more relatable and easier to understand. For example, if you are trying to explain how DNS works, you could use the analogy of a traffic cop directing traffic.
Avoid technical jargon: Technical jargon can be confusing and intimidating for non-technical people. Instead of using technical terms, try to use simple and straightforward language to explain the concept.
Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and images, can be extremely helpful in explaining technical concepts. They can help to break up the information and make it easier for your audience to process.
Be patient: It is important to be patient when explaining technical concepts to non-technical people. It may take some time for them to fully understand the concept, so be prepared to answer questions and provide additional explanations as needed.
By following these tips, you can effectively explain technical concepts to non-technical people and help them understand and appreciate the subject matter.