What do you do if non-technical stakeholders struggle to understand technical information?

Remember who the speaker is and who the audience is. Getting this right will shape the interaction. Your audience is not technical. They need to know if your proposal or work will suit the needs they represent. So it's not just a matter of them understanding you, the reverse is just as important, if not moreso. Possibly the most important skill I've developed in this area is adapting my presentation to the people in the room. Trust me when I say it's not important to them how hard that is for you. If you don't learn to adjust, they might get nothing more than a waste of their time. Learn who your stakeholders are. Understand what the stakes are for them. Focus on the high stakes first, and work your way as far down as practical.

Remember... your stakeholders aren't paid to know all about technology. That is what you get paid to do. Be empathetic and make your stakeholders feel good about the experience.

When non-technical stakeholders struggle to understand technical information, it's essential to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using jargon and technical terms, and instead, focus on explaining concepts in simple language that everyone can understand. Utilize visual aids, analogies, and real-world examples to make complex technical information more accessible. Encourage questions and feedback to ensure that stakeholders grasp the key points and feel engaged in the conversation.

There are some communication strategies: -Understand Your Audience: Before crafting?your message, understand the level of technical expertise your audience possesses. -Use Clear and Simple Language: Break down?complex technical?concepts into straightforward language. -Focus on Key Insights: Identify?the most crucial findings that directly impact business goals. -Visualize Data Effectively: Leverage data visualization tools?to create clear and compelling graphics. -Provide Real-World Examples: Relate technical?findings to real-world scenarios or industry trends.? -Encourage Questions and Feedback: Create an open and inclusive environment?for discussion. Encourage stakeholders to ask questions and seek clarification.?

1. Make use of simple words. 2. No need to use extra Technical Words. 3. Keep Calm ,some times it becomes frustrated for repetitive Questions. 4. Encourage Questions and Feedback.

I never use as they say technical jargon or abbreviations to users as it confuses and they loose focus on what you are trying to explain to them. I personally explain things as if i am an end user which I used to be this helps, users are not interested in anything technical all they want to know is does it work yes/no. Can I log in, how do I do this? Less is best.

Always map the real case scenario to technical concept. Use analogy to map technical topic to real life examples. This will help to understand application of technology

I concur that the use of technical jargon can quickly alienate non-technical audiences. The crucial consideration is whether the audience is appropriate for the discussion. When participating in high-level conversations, it's vital for speakers to explain complex concepts, such as rocket science, using suitable language. The quote "If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself" is often attributed to Albert Einstein, but there is no concrete evidence that he actually said this. Nevertheless, the sentiment behind Albert Einstein quote not always underscore the importance of genuinely understanding a concept in order to explain it simply.

Visual aids are indispensable for conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Diagrams, flowcharts, and infographics elucidate complex processes and relationships effectively. In network architecture discussions, well-crafted diagrams offer clear overviews for stakeholders to reference. In system administration, a picture truly speaks volumes.

Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for conveying information more effectively. They can include charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs, or even multimedia presentations like slideshows or videos.

To this section of visual aid, I can add that, if the conditions lend themselves to it, some simulation can be added either with a virtual environment, triggering of a code or some practical example, in this way the stakeholders can understand much better the meaning of a technical term, action, etc.

- Se as palavras n?o forem entendidas ent?o desenhe. - Informa??o simples e objetiva dese ser feita em desenhos também, n?o somente nas palavras. - Importante lembrar que o perfeccionismo aqui pode atrapalhar, use um layout simples mas bonito, para que valorize a sua apresenta??o.

Visual aids, such as graphs, chart, tables & etc. can always help to deliver technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Always make it a practice to use more visual information in every presentation, rather than using more of textual information.

When communicating technical details to non-technical stakeholders, always highlight the benefits for the business or project. For example, instead of diving into server virtualization specifics, emphasize how it drives cost savings, enhances disaster recovery, and optimizes resource management—outcomes directly aligned with business objectives. This approach ensures stakeholders grasp the value of technical decisions in achieving overarching goals.

- Existe uma tecnica na PNL chamada de "BackTracking", use sem modera??o - Você tem 2 op??es para demostrar isto, pode ser: - Generalista, com historias que se encaixem na vis?o do seu publico. - Especialista, muito detalhe para que o publico entenda o que será feito e tenha os beneficios. Para todos teremos os cuidados com o excesso.

Value is often found by removing pain. Identifying painpoints and explaining how a feature will address them is more impactful than getting into the weeds on technology. All users care about is fit for purpose and use.

Agreement to start a project or move to the next phase means aligning on the benefits of doing so. Be sure you have a short set of features that emphasis what you are bringing to the table.

Fostering an environment where stakeholders feel empowered to ask questions is crucial for effective communication. Encourage them to voice concerns or seek clarification without hesitation. This not only clarifies their understanding but also provides valuable insights for refining your explanations. By nurturing open dialogue, you can adapt your communication to better meet the needs of your audience, ultimately enhancing comprehension and collaboration

It is better to elicit questions than encourage them. Most technical presenters simply don't know how to create an air of encouragement where others feel free to speak. That's a leadership skill, a social one. Much or even most of a non-technical audience isn't likely to engage in a setting where relating ideas to others isn't the premise. Eliciting questions means giving your listeners a clear opening to interact. Ask for information about their line of interest. Does your presentation get their point of view right? Is it missing anything? Is what you're saying addressing their needs correctly? In short, let your audience explain something to you. Don't test their understanding. Let them test you. It'll work, just take it slow.

- Cuidado, lembre-se que todas as perguntas podem requerer uma resposta (obviamente), porém, você terá que responde-las. - Intera??o é a melhor forma de entender o publico que esta ali, e, usar as palavras deles para dentro da sua apresenta??o. - Coordene bem os momentos de perguntas, deixe possibilidades de perguntas (propositais) dentro da sua apresenta??o, e, certamente assim (de forma proposital) você terá as respostas.

Listening is more important than speaking during communication's early stages and even late stages. To begin encouraging questions, providing pauses. Pausing in your words, space in your visual slides that are guiding the discussion, and in the movement within your body language. Especially in the early stages of communication, use these questions to level-set an understanding of the common language both parties can use. Then proceed to discuss what you heard in an active listen manner. Rephrase what you heard in your own words an ask whether the other party agrees with your understanding of what was said.

Hacer preguntas faciles a gente que no entiende de lo que uno está hablando, ayuda a que la persona se interese más del tema. Me gusta ver la cara de los dudosos, que no se animan a preguntar

In my experience, understanding your audience is key to speaking their language. Use everyday examples to relate technical terms, highlight the importance and risks involved (everyone understands risk and impact), and simplify with visuals. Keep it concise to avoid overwhelming them, and encourage questions for clarity and understanding. By keeping it simple and creating an open dialogue, you can build trust and ensure that the information is not only heard but also understood and acted upon.

Meet your audience where they are at, at their comfort level of understanding. Distill technical language into digestible concepts. Use correct and appropriate technical terms when it is important to do so, with a relatable explanation of them. Take time frequently to solicit feedback from your audience that they are receiving and understanding, or if further clarification is needed before moving on. Adjust up or down based on that feedback.

Analogies are king. I've spent nearly 2 decades honing this skill. Speaking in terms someone understands helps them resolve the situation in their head and opens a dialog for better communication. There are many ways to do this; if they're a sport fan, speak in sports terms (where applicable).

As Joseph Falcone (below) said, analogies are king. Try to find an area the non-technical person understands. I remember once explaining an SQL Server (as configured) was like a lawn mover towing a huge caravan - the analogy being the mower had a small engine and the caravan was the volume of work the SQL Server was trying to get through. The person was an avid traveler, regularly heading off to some country location or another and watching their reaction was light seeing a light come on. I've used analogies around sports, cars, cooking, plumbing, driving, real estate... Once you find that common ground, you're on your way to mutual understanding

Be realistic and transparent with shared expectations. If either party is uncertain about concepts, they should express that early in the process. Mismatched expectations or knowledge levels can further delay meeting the deadline. If you present an unrealistic picture, you will produce unrealistic results.