How can you present complex information to non-experts?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare your presentation, think about who your audience is and what they need to know. What is their background, level of expertise, and interest in the topic? How will they use the information you provide? What questions or concerns might they have? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your content, tone, and style to their needs and expectations.

2 Simplify your language

Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that your audience may not understand. If you have to use them, make sure to define them clearly and give examples or analogies to illustrate them. Use simple, clear, and concise sentences that convey your main points. Avoid long, complex, or ambiguous sentences that may confuse or bore your audience. Use active voice, positive words, and transitions to make your presentation flow smoothly and logically.

3 Visualize your data

One of the best ways to present complex information to non-experts is to use visuals, such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or images. Visuals can help you summarize, compare, contrast, or highlight key information, as well as make your presentation more attractive and memorable. However, be careful not to overload your presentation with too many or irrelevant visuals. Choose the most appropriate type of visual for your data and purpose, and make sure it is clear, accurate, and consistent with your verbal message. Label your visuals, explain them, and refer to them during your presentation.

4 Engage your audience

To keep your audience interested and attentive, you need to engage them throughout your presentation. You can do this by using stories, anecdotes, or examples that relate to your topic and audience. You can also ask questions, invite feedback, or encourage participation from your audience. This will help you create a rapport with them, check their understanding, and address any doubts or objections they may have. You can also use humor, emotions, or gestures to make your presentation more lively and personal.

5 Repeat and summarize

Another way to help your audience understand and remember your complex information is to repeat and summarize it. You can use the classic structure of telling them what you are going to tell them, telling them, and then telling them what you told them. This will help you reinforce your main points and key messages. You can also use cues, such as headings, bullet points, or numbers, to organize and highlight your information. At the end of your presentation, you can provide a summary, a conclusion, or a call to action, depending on your goal and audience.

6 Follow up

Finally, after you present your complex information to non-experts, you should follow up with them to ensure that they have received and understood it. You can do this by sending them a thank-you note, a copy of your presentation, or any additional resources that may be helpful. You can also ask them for feedback, questions, or comments, and respond to them promptly and professionally. This will help you build trust, credibility, and rapport with your audience, as well as improve your presentation skills for the future.

7 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?