You have to explain a complex concept to a non-technical person. What’s the best way to do it?

Before jumping in to explanations, take time to learn about your audience’s interests, expertise, and topics they get energized talking about. This helps gauge the way someone thinks and expresses themselves, which you can then mirror back to them when explaining a complex, technical concept. You can also now relate the concept back to one of their interests, framing it in a context they’re familiar with. The more connections they can make in their mind, the closer they feel to what you’re explaining, and the more likely they are to understand and retain the new information.

Breaking down complex things into simple structures is an invaluable skill. The best way to do that is through an example that circles back to the original concept. If the example is also fun, it will stitch into the receiver's brain.

Before explaining the concept, it's essential to understand the background and familiarity of your audience with technical topics. This knowledge helps tailor your explanation to their level of understanding, making it more relatable and accessible.

Analogies and metaphors compare the complex concept to something familiar to the audience, making it easier for them to grasp the idea. By drawing parallels to everyday experiences or objects, you can simplify the concept and enhance comprehension. Technical jargon and acronyms can be confusing for non-technical individuals. Therefore, it's essential to use plain language and avoid industry-specific terminology that might alienate or overwhelm the audience. Clear communication is key to effective explanation.

Using stories and metaphors is an effective strategy to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences. This approach works because it connects the unfamiliar (the complex concept) with the familiar (everyday experiences or widely understood ideas), making the information more accessible and memorable.

Use Metaphors and relate to practical experiences from self or from others. The layman should be able to visualise the whole thing.

Contextualizing the concept within a broader framework helps the audience understand its relevance and significance. By explaining the background, history, or context surrounding the concept, you provide a foundation for understanding and facilitate engagement.

Visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or illustrations provide a visual representation of the concept, reinforcing understanding and facilitating retention. Visuals can simplify complex ideas by breaking them down into digestible components, enhancing clarity.

Telling a story that people can relate to helps. For instance, if you need to explain Cloud computing, it can be likened to renting a house. Just as you rent a house to live in without the need to own it, cloud computing allows you to use online computing services, like servers and storage, without owning the physical infrastructure. You pay only for what you use, much like paying rent, enjoy the flexibility to scale your resources to match your current needs, and avoid dealing with maintenance or upgrades, which are handled by the service provider, similar to a landlord's responsibilities. This analogy makes the concept of cloud computing more accessible by comparing it to the familiar scenario of renting a home.

To check if someone understood your explanation, start by asking them to describe the concept in their own words or to provide an example that applies the idea. This encourages them to engage actively with the material. Pay attention to their response for clarity and accuracy, which can reveal their level of understanding. Encourage questions, as this shows they're thinking about the topic deeply. Observing their body language can also offer cues about their confidence or confusion. Lastly, a brief follow-up discussion can help reinforce the concept and clear up any lingering misunderstandings, ensuring they've fully grasped the subject.

Keep track of how your changes are working. Are you getting more diverse applicants? Are participants from different backgrounds succeeding?

Think about how your program can help reduce bias in AI and tech. Encourage diverse viewpoints, and maybe get feedback from past participants on how to improve.