What are the best ways to explain technical concepts to someone without a computer science background?

1 Use analogies and metaphors

One of the best ways to explain technical concepts is to use analogies and metaphors that relate them to familiar or everyday scenarios. For example, you can compare a stack to a pile of books, a queue to a line of people, or a hash table to a phone book. Analogies and metaphors can help your audience visualize and understand the main idea, purpose, and behavior of a concept without getting into the details or jargon.

2 Simplify and summarize

Another way to explain technical concepts is to simplify and summarize them into the most essential points. You can do this by breaking down a complex concept into smaller and simpler parts, using plain and concise language, and avoiding unnecessary details or exceptions. For example, you can explain recursion as a function that calls itself, a binary search as a way to find an item in a sorted list by dividing it in half, or a linked list as a collection of nodes that point to each other.

3 Use examples and diagrams

A third way to explain technical concepts is to use examples and diagrams that illustrate them in action. Examples and diagrams can help your audience follow along and see how a concept works in practice. You can use real-world or hypothetical scenarios, code snippets, or drawings to show the input, output, steps, or structure of a concept. For example, you can use a shopping list, a for loop, or a flowchart to show how an algorithm works, or use a chess board, an array, or a table to show how a data structure is organized.

5 Relate to the audience's goals and interests

A fifth way to explain technical concepts is to relate them to the audience's goals and interests. You can do this by explaining why a concept is important, useful, or relevant to their situation, problem, or curiosity. Relating to the audience's goals and interests can help you engage their attention, motivation, and curiosity, and show them how a concept can benefit them or solve their problem.

6 Use humor and enthusiasm

A sixth way to explain technical concepts is to use humor and enthusiasm. You can do this by adding jokes, anecdotes, or stories that lighten up the mood, make the concept more memorable, or show your passion for the topic. Using humor and enthusiasm can help you create a positive and enjoyable learning experience for your audience, and make them more receptive and interested in what you have to say.