Here's how you can simplify conveying complex program information.

Instead of a long, written report on client demographics, create a colorful chart showing ages, needs, etc. This makes it easier to spot trends at a glance. Visuals can make the difference between a confusing presentation and one that gets everyone excited! Instead of just talking about your program, show them what it does. Think simple: timelines to track progress, pie charts to show budget breakdowns, or even a short video demonstrating your program in action.

Stop jargon. :) Consulting health literacy experts to simplify technical jargon into plain language through our program guide makes instructions more accessible to people of all reading levels - preventing confusion hindering adherence.

Imagine you're explaining your program's innovative process to a potential funder who knows nothing about your field. Instead of using industry jargon, try an analogy: "Our program works kind of like a recipe. We take these specific ingredients (our resources) and follow these steps (our actions) to get this delicious result (the positive impact on our clients)." Simplify your language whenever possible. Avoid overly technical terms, and if you must use them, be sure to explain them clearly. Focus on the big picture of what your program does and why it matters, not the nitty-gritty details of how you do it.

In order to simplify complex information for people who are not experts, use simple language and avoid industry-wide terms, technical phrases and jargon that only those specialized in the field would be aware of their meaning. Simplify what you know for a general audience by breaking down complex, high-volume information into the smallest parts possible. By asking yourself questions from the laypersons perspective you can avoid problems within the writing. The biggest problem most people have is that they try to impress with their knowledge of the industry through their writing. This knowledge often includes insider phrasing and other jargon that confuses general audiences. Avoiding this biggest problem will save you a lot of trouble.

You're updating your program's website, but the old version is filled with dense, jargon-heavy paragraphs. Instead of just editing, step back and ask: "If someone only reads ONE thing on this page, what should it be?" That becomes your key point, and everything else on the page should support it. Think about the 2-3 things you want people to remember about your program. Don't try to cram everything in – focus on those core ideas and communicate them with clarity and impact.

Focus, focus and more focus. Don't tell stories no one wants to hear or read. Segmenting intricate treatment regimens into step-by-step checklists focused only on critical need-to-know actions for that stage filters complexity for comprehension while hyperlinks offer deeper dives if interested.

You're giving a presentation to volunteers about your program, and their eyes are starting to glaze over. Instead of just talking AT them, pause and ask, "Can anyone share an experience where they saw the impact of this work firsthand?" This gets them talking, re-engages their attention, and reinforces your key points. Don't think of presentations as being just one-sided. Build in opportunities for questions, feedback, and even short activities to get your audience actively involved in understanding your program.

After a presentation, you noticed some audience members looked confused during the explanation of your data analysis process. Instead of assuming they're just not smart, ask for feedback! You might learn that a simple diagram would have made it much clearer. Don't think of presentations as a one-and-done thing. Ask for honest feedback, both on the content AND your delivery. Use this to make the next presentation even better!

A team member has deep technical knowledge of your program, but struggles to explain it to the average person. Instead of writing them off as a "bad communicator", offer training! Role-playing conversations with potential donors, practicing simplifying complex ideas, or even giving them a few "go-to" analogies can make a big difference. Don't assume everyone on your team naturally has the same communication skills. Invest in training them to be clear, concise, and engaging when talking about the program. This benefits their own career growth, and helps your program shine!