What do you do if non-technical stakeholders in Internet Services struggle to understand technical concepts?

1 Use analogies and metaphors

One of the best ways to make technical concepts more relatable and understandable is to use analogies and metaphors. These are comparisons that use familiar or simple examples to illustrate complex or abstract ideas. For example, you can compare a domain name to a street address, a server to a warehouse, or a firewall to a security guard. Analogies and metaphors can help non-technical stakeholders visualize how things work and why they are important.

2 Simplify and summarize

Another way to communicate technical concepts is to simplify and summarize them. This means breaking down complex or technical terms into simpler or more common words, and focusing on the main points or benefits rather than the details or features. For example, instead of saying that your web app uses a RESTful API to communicate with a database, you can say that your web app can exchange information with other systems easily and securely. Simplifying and summarizing can help non-technical stakeholders grasp the essence and value of technical concepts.

3 Use visuals and examples

A picture is worth a thousand words, and a concrete example is worth a thousand abstracts. That's why using visuals and examples can help you communicate technical concepts more effectively. Visuals can include diagrams, charts, graphs, screenshots, or videos that show how something works or looks. Examples can include scenarios, cases, stories, or testimonials that demonstrate how something is used or applied. Visuals and examples can help non-technical stakeholders see and understand technical concepts better.

4 Check for understanding and feedback

Communication is a two-way street, and you need to make sure that your non-technical stakeholders understand and appreciate what you are telling them. That's why checking for understanding and feedback is essential. Checking for understanding means asking questions, paraphrasing, or summarizing what you have explained to verify that your message is clear and accurate. Feedback means listening to what your non-technical stakeholders have to say, answering their questions, addressing their concerns, or clarifying their doubts. Checking for understanding and feedback can help you ensure that your communication is effective and respectful.

5 Keep learning and improving

Finally, communicating technical concepts is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to keep learning and improving your skills and strategies to adapt to different situations, audiences, and goals. You can learn from your own experience, from other experts, from online resources, or from courses. You can also improve by seeking feedback, evaluating your results, and making changes as needed. Keeping learning and improving can help you become a more confident and competent communicator of technical concepts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?