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You need to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client. What’s the best way to do it?

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As a data engineer, you often have to deal with complex and technical concepts that may not be easy to understand for your non-technical clients. Whether you are presenting a data pipeline, a data model, a data analysis, or a data visualization, you need to communicate effectively and clearly to avoid confusion and frustration. In this article, we will share some tips on how to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client in the context of data engineering.

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Axel Schwanke

Senior Data Engineer | Data Architect | Data Science | Data Mesh | Data Governance | 4x Databricks certified | 2x AWS…
Akshat Dashore

Assistant Manager - Cloud Architect | Analytics | Big Data Engineer at Metlife | Microsoft Certified

1 Know your audience

Before you start explaining a technical concept, you need to know who your audience is and what their level of familiarity and interest is with the topic. You can ask them some questions to gauge their background, expectations, and goals. For example, you can ask them what they already know about the concept, what they want to learn from it, and how they plan to use it. This will help you tailor your explanation to their needs and avoid unnecessary details or jargon.

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Thiago Santos

Coordenador de Engenharia de Dados no Itaú Unibanco | MBA em Big Data | Liderando solu??es de dados na AWS
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Importante sempre fazer analogias com o situa??es, objetos do qual o publico está mais familiarizado, tornando a comunica??o mais simples e efetiva.

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2 Simplify and analogize

One of the best ways to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client is to simplify it and use analogies or metaphors that relate to their everyday experience. For example, if you want to explain what a data pipeline is, you can compare it to a factory assembly line, where raw materials (data sources) are processed and transformed (data extraction, transformation, and loading) into finished products (data outputs). You can also use visuals, such as diagrams, charts, or icons, to illustrate the concept and make it more engaging.

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Axel Schwanke

Senior Data Engineer | Data Architect | Data Science | Data Mesh | Data Governance | 4x Databricks certified | 2x AWS certified | 1x CDMP certified | Medium Writer | Turning Data into Business Growth | Nuremberg, Germany
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Communicating complex ideas to a non-technical audience ... Break down complexity: Explain technical terms in simple language and avoid acronyms and industry-specific terminology. Refer to familiar concepts: Draw parallels to everyday experiences or objects that customers are familiar with to illustrate complex concepts. Use visual aids: Use diagrams, tables or visual representations to reinforce explanations and improve understanding. Provide real-world examples: Show relevant case studies or examples from similar projects to demonstrate practical applications of the concept. Encourage interactivity: Promote a collaborative environment where customers can ask questions and participate in discussions to clarify their understanding.

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Marcelo Costa

Founding Engineer at Alvin ? Operationalising Data Lineage | Google Developer Expert
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One of the most underrated skills is being able to simplify complex concepts. To be successful on it, try to use analogies, break it down, use visual aids and whenever possible wrap all with real world use cases that the audience understands and relates to.

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3 Validate and iterate

After you explain a technical concept, you need to validate that your client understood it and address any questions or feedback they may have. You can ask them to summarize the concept in their own words, or to give you an example of how they would apply it. You can also use quizzes, polls, or exercises to test their comprehension and retention. If you notice any gaps or misconceptions, you can iterate on your explanation and provide more clarification or examples.

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Carlos Fernando Chicata

Algunas insignias de community Top Voice | Ingeniero de datos | AWS User Group Perú - Arequipa | AWS x3
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The validation and iteration are a important point because you verify if the client have any doubt in details of concept that you must solve, when part of your explication you must repass and what possible missing or mistake that client do if they understand well your solution. In my opinion; give small basic explanations and validate them so that the client understands the general context; also try to integrate previous concepts and validate that the client understands it how all part work in your solution.

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4 Use stories and examples

Another effective way to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client is to use stories and examples that demonstrate the value and relevance of the concept. You can tell them how the concept was developed, why it is important, how it solves a problem, or how it benefits them or their customers. You can also use case studies, testimonials, or scenarios that show the concept in action and highlight its outcomes and impacts.

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Rafael Ribeiro de Lima

Data Scientist | Data Engineer | Internal Auditor | Risks | Machine Learning
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Uma forma muito efetiva para auxiliar na constru??o de histórias e exemplos é utilizar IA generativa. Pe?a para ela explicar o termo técnico pra uma crian?a.

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5 Be concise and confident

Finally, when you explain a technical concept to a non-technical client, you need to be concise and confident. You should avoid using too many words, technical terms, or acronyms that may confuse or bore your client. You should also avoid using filler words, such as "um", "like", or "you know", that may undermine your credibility or clarity. You should speak with authority, enthusiasm, and passion, and use a tone and pace that suit your client and the situation.

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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?

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Axel Schwanke

Senior Data Engineer | Data Architect | Data Science | Data Mesh | Data Governance | 4x Databricks certified | 2x AWS certified | 1x CDMP certified | Medium Writer | Turning Data into Business Growth | Nuremberg, Germany
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Highlight practical applications: Show the impact in the real world: use examples to explain how the technology helps their business. Prove that it works: Tell stories where the idea has already been used and worked well, and clearly demonstrate the benefits. Address concerns: Talk about problems or risks, but show how they have been dealt with and resolved in the past. Practical examples: If possible, let them try out the idea for themselves so they can see how it works in practice. Keep the conversation open: Encourage them to ask questions and talk openly about their concerns.

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Akshat Dashore

Assistant Manager - Cloud Architect | Analytics | Big Data Engineer at Metlife | Microsoft Certified
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Know your audience. Simplify your data. Visualize your data. Tell a story. Check for understanding. Be the first to add your personal experience. Here's what else to consider. Be the first to add your personal experience.

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You need to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client. What’s the best way to do it?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Simplify and analogize

3 Validate and iterate

4 Use stories and examples

5 Be concise and confident

6 Here’s what else to consider

Data Engineering

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You need to explain a technical concept to a non-technical client. What’s the best way to do it?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Simplify and analogize

3 Validate and iterate

4 Use stories and examples

5 Be concise and confident

6 Here’s what else to consider

Data Engineering

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