How To Simplify Technical Concepts

How To Simplify Technical Concepts

Whether you are pitching a new concept to a group of investors, or are simply explaining how something works to a board of directors, you will have to know how to simplify technical concepts.  You may know exactly how processes work, but if you aren't able to communicate these processes to your team - no one will understand what it is they need to do.  The same goes if you are explaining something to the board of directors.  They want to hear from you in a way they can understand.  And it is up to you to effectively communicate these concepts to them. 

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Knowing how to break down technical concepts into bite-sized pieces is an important communication skill.  Below are 3 strategies you can implement to help simplify technical concepts. As a VIP Communications Pass article, we will break down for you exactly what the three points look and sound like so you can apply it to your everyday work.

 

1. Think From The Outside

You know the complex technical concepts inside and out, but everyone else doesn't.  As you begin to outline how you will explain the concept, think about how it works from an outsider's perspective.  This means "forgetting" everything you know and explaining it as if you have no insider knowledge. 

There are a couple of ways to think about the concept from an outsider's point of view.

• Make a List - You will want to make a list of all of the parts, procedures, and functionalities of the concept. When you write down your list, you are essentially outlining the steps you will take when you explain these technical concepts.  In this way, you are breaking down complex concepts into bite-size pieces. Your list is an outline of each concept. For example, if you are explaining how your company's new healthcare app works to a board of directors, your list might look like this: Open app, input health information, hit submit, receive health information. From your list, you can explain how each part works but the list makes it easier for you to know how to communicate the complex technical concepts.
• Listen To Others - A great way to think about the concept from an outsider's point of view is to actually ask for an outsider's point of view.  When you listen to how someone else describes your concept you will be able to explain it in layman's terms.  For example, take a concept you have no idea about and explain it to someone else.  Then, have them explain it back to you.  In this way, you can listen to what words people are using to describe technical concepts.  Use these terms when you simplify your technical concepts.

 

2. Simplify Language

The language you use can either make your concept easier to understand or be completely confusing.  In order to make sure you are presenting in a way where everyone can understand what you are saying, think about the actual words you are using.  

Simple language is the best option when explaining technical concepts, especially to those who don't have the same level of expertise as you.

You can simplify the language in a couple of ways.

• Jargon - Think about the jargon you use with colleagues who know your industry. You will want to leave out any and all jargon that isn't common knowledge.  For example, if you are a writer for an online company and are using terms such as SEO and UX to a person who is not in your industry, they probably will get very confused and stop paying attention to what you are saying.  It's best to leave jargon out when simplifying technical concepts.
• Basic Words - As you simplify technical concepts, think about the words you are choosing. The simpler the better.  This is because just like jargon, big or uncommon words make concepts harder to understand.  Don't use an uncommon word when a common one will work the same. For example, instead of saying, my search engine optimization will be ranked high via all algorithms, you can say, the keywords I use within my posts help to make them easily searchable on Google. Using simple words will allow everyone to understand and that is the most important part.

Your word choice will help others understand the technical concepts you are trying to explain. Simple words will work best and are the easiest to use.

 

3. Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can say what words can't.  Sometimes, complex technical concepts can be easily understood with images.  Many people are visual learners, so if you are able to incorporate visuals into your presentation or meetings, you will help everyone understand technical concepts.

There are a few ways you can use visual aids to simplify technical concepts.

• Videos - An explanation video can help explain technical concepts in a way words can't.  Videos can help others visualize processes they may not have been able to understand initially.  For example, if you are trying to explain how your concept allows people to shop at a store and walk out of the store without going to a register - yet they are still charged via your app.  You can use a video to show how the app registers the merchandise and charges the shopper.  Videos can take confusing concepts and give them life.
• Photographs - Photographs are helpful because they can be studied and also help others visualize technical concepts.  For example, if you are trying to explain how to genetically manipulate plant cells, a blown-up photograph will be very valuable.  The photograph can show how the cells are genetically manipulated. 
• Cartoon Animations - You may find yourself trying to explain a hypothetical situation.  This is especially true if you are predicting future trends or markets.  In this case, you wouldn't actually have a real-life video or even a photograph.  This is where cartoon animations come into play.  You can use animation to show events or even potential projections.  
• Renderings - Renderings are a fantastic way to simplify technical concepts.  This is because renderings visually show the technical concept. For example, if you are trying to explain how a lever within your prototype will work - you can use a rendering to explain how it works.  
• Charts + Graphs - Charts and graphs are another way to use visual aids to explain complex technical concepts.  This is because charts and graphs can be used to show multiple forms of data in one visual place. For example, if you are trying to explain why your technology is going to improve production, you can use data from years of using the same technology.  Then, you can show how your technology has changed output.  You can put this all into one graph with transparent layers - giving you maximum impact.

Knowing how to communicate complex technical concepts to anyone will help you as you explain your concept.  The key is to think about the technical concept from an outsider's point of view, focus on simple language, and use visuals when necessary.  In the end, the most important thing is for everyone to understand your fantastic idea.

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