How do you communicate complex or technical information in a simple and understandable way?

Les clients estiment fréquemment que les propositions qu'ils re?oivent sont trop génériques et ne tiennent pas suffisamment compte de leurs problématiques spécifiques. Une proposition efficace doit s'exprimer dans le langage du client, en étant : - Adaptée à ses divers interlocuteurs - Répondant à leurs questions spécifiques - Intégrant différents niveaux de synthèse. Il est essentiel de penser comme le client, voire de prolonger sa pensée, sans se fixer sur les lacunes ou la qualité du cahier des charges. Il faut rechercher les éléments ou hypothèses nécessaires pour le compléter. Et surtout, il faut prendre en considération les motivations du client.

Many technical people try to say everything they know about a topic. The best ones know to start high, make sure the audience is with you, and then drill down as needed. Too much information is worse than too little. Nothing wrong with explaining the basics and then letting the audience ask you what to spend more time on!

I have seen stories and analogies that the audience can relate to works beautifully. Something that they can hold onto. Here's an example. In a past role, we had software that would help limit what a network administrator can do based on time of day/location/past errors ...And we had an elaborate pitch detailing these capabilities. An analogy I came up with was a family with a teenager who has reached the driving age. The car is the network. The teen can drive the car between 8 and 9 am and 3 and 4 pm and just between the home and school. The same car - but limited rights to the teen. And if they break a rule, further restrictions. That's what we do for the network administrator!

In my opinion and experience, the best way to be "understandable" is to talk in business language, sometimes based on processes, sometimes focusing on commercial parameters and sometimes based on financial info.

Une petite citation de Cicéron ??Si vous voulez me convaincre, vous devez penser comme moi, ressentir mes sentiments et parler avec mes mots??.

In simple words, always the explanation should start with an Elevator Pitch or Executive Summary and then start doing a drill down on the key ideas, but always following the points of interest of decision makers in the meeting.

Start with a story. The user (our hero) has a problem. They use the technology to do something that produces a result. Once the audience understands the story, it becomes the framework for the technical details.

There are multple methods which could be followed, I have found the below useful in my communication. Break down complex concepts into smaller, digestible parts using clear language. Use analogies or real-world examples to make technical information relatable. Focus on key takeaways and eliminate unnecessary jargon or details.

Visual storyboarding is one of the best ways to communicate complex technical ideas. One of the SCs on my team uses this very effectively and his principle is to show case how each persona type interacts with the system through an animations. For concepts like MSP architecture on domain separated environment, it becomes extremely difficult without this kind of a storyboarding. Other ways to use visual aids is to show relevant videos, graphs, stats etc. However, these visual aids must all add to a story. Without an underlying narrative, all these aids will not bring any value.

Many folks demoing software will skip over this one..."I'm showing the product. THAT'S my visual aid!" But, if you're demoing a product or feature with any complexity, a well-crafted slide or visual aid can lay the groundwork for a high-level understanding before you start diving into complex parts of your solution. Done effectively, this can help head off commonly asked questions and lead to better understanding/retention, especially where you've got a mixed audience with non-technical folks or tangential stakeholders.

Always a picture shows more than 1000 words, the sin of several PPTs is to try to explain everything in written, people try to read and loss attention.

Visual aids must be tailored to your audience. An architecture diagram is fantastic and goes into great detail, but it is going to go completely over someones head if you're presenting it to a business user. Pick your visual aids wisely with consideration to who is in the room. When presenting using visual aids, keep things simple as you can always talk to more detail or follow up after the conversation.

Many experts default to the firehose method of communication - too much, too fast and no time to swallow. Consider what it would take to build up understanding along the lines of a college curriculum - the 101 introductory course, the 201 intermediate course, the 301 advanced course, and then, the graduate level. The depth of understanding that results from this approach is knowledge for life.

Remember to check in with your audience after each topic or point. Better yet, bring up something highlighted in discovery calls and address people individually to build confidence in their understanding. If you can get one person to engage, it is likely to encourage additional individuals that may not be understanding

It's obvious that large exhibitions without stopping and asking for questions leverage a loss of attention because audience keep thinking in their doubts. The best is to stop regularly and invite to interrupt when needed. It's going to be hard for who has to defend the idea but it's better to convince.

Another approach is to use an example that mirrors the topic you are trying to convey. Consider using a storytelling approach where customer x had similar challenge y and used this approach z to solve for it. Incorporate the visual elements into the story wherever possible. This approach resonates with customers because it’s real and it shows the potential solution already in action and a successful outcome. Make it real by explaining the challenges along the way and how they were overcome.

Understand their business context - goal, challenges, and try to relate to that. Ask questions to engage upfront, and start by giving an overview of where your offer can help. Do this before you get too much into the weeds.