Here's how you can simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical interviewers.

Understand the ask and if required ask for the clarification as many times you need to break the requirement into phases and than go on to build the program for it

Analogies are a swiss army knife in my toolkit when dealing with non-technical stakeholders. Maybe ERP workflows could be like a recipe box, with each department adding their ingredient (data) to create the perfect dish (successful project)!

Use analogies with care. They can be an excellent tool for explanation but a potentially poor tool for argument or debate. Many technical explanations to stakeholders can end up with questions about why we are pursuing a particular path. If you pick the wrong analogy you may find it difficult to defend.

Technical terms can go over the heads of non tech stakeholders faster than a complex spreadsheet formula. Always try to translate tech speak into plain English and use stories that are relatable.

Avoid acronyms and abbreviations altogether unless you hear them in adverts or news broadcasts. People will understand what you're saying if you talk about the UN. They are less likely to know what SNA APPN is.

Think of stakeholders as busy executives, not tech wizards. Flowcharts and diagrams are lifesavers. Imagine explaining a new inventory management system with a complex flow of approvals. A flowchart can visualize it instantly, showing how each step (purchase order, approval, delivery) connects. This clarity builds trust and gets everyone on the same page.

Relate technical concepts to everyday analogies or familiar situations. For example, comparing data storage to filing cabinets or cloud computing to renting storage space. Encourage questions and feedback to ensure understanding and address specific concerns or areas of confusion in real-time. Frame technical explanations within a narrative or story that illustrates the problem, solution, and outcomes.

Having a trusted mentor slightly outside your exact industry or focus will allow you to practice the skill of storytelling, a skill that pays off across your entire career. A safe place to practice understanding the verbal and non-verbal cues that tell you where your listener's experiences and yours overlap lets you build confidence in trusting your storytelling instincts.