If you prefer video content over text, I explain this material with fun, musical examples in my YouTube video.
Many leaders believe the mark of an “expert” is use of jargon and specialist terminology. On the contrary, the ability to communicate to people of varying levels of knowledge – that’s the mark of a true “expert”.
In this article, I break down one easy way to explain complex concepts, especially to non-technical audiences: give examples.
What Not To Do
Consider this situation. You’re trying to explain “deep learning” to an audience with zero knowledge of the subject. You say:
“Deep learning uses artificial neural networks to process information through multiple layers and perform tasks like classification”
There’s not too much jargon in there. But it’s still not clear. As an analogy, these kinds of abstract topics feel like fruit high up on a tree: You can see it. But it’s a bit fuzzy. (And you can’t touch it). So you walk on by and forget about it entirely.
The same issue occurs for non-technical topics as well. Let’s say you’re trying to explain the importance of “listening” to an unfamiliar audience. You say:
“We usually listen by hearing what’s literally being said and not going any deeper”.
Again, the audience can see what you’re saying. But they can’t touch it. It’s too “far away” to mean anything to them.
What To Do
Check out how Ximena Vengoechea, keynote speaker on listening, explains the importance of listening. You only need to watch about 30 seconds from the video below to get a sense of Ximena’s technique.
Ximena explains:
“We usually hear enough of a conversation to be polite, nod and smile, not lose our jobs. We ‘listen’ and get something out of the conversation, but stay at the level of what’s literally being said – without going any deeper”
By giving examples of “superficial listening” – being polite, nodding and smiling, etc. – Ximena brings the abstract idea down to ground. She lets the fruit fall from the tree into your hand so you can see it and touch it.
The same applies for our deep learning explanation.
Instead of “Deep learning uses artificial neural networks to process information through multiple layers and perform tasks like classification”, we can go on to say:
“For example, deep learning can classify pictures. Self-driving vehicles use deep learning to recognize stop signs, traffic lights, and other cars. Deep learning can also classify sounds. Apps on your phone can recognize a species of bird singing nearby or a piece of music playing in the background.”
Examples make abstract ideas concrete by providing relatable detail and showing high-level principles in practice.
Summary
But the benefit doesn’t only extend to your audience. Examples help you. By forcing you to take something you know in theory and walking it through its paces in the real world, you have a deeper understanding.
Aim to use examples to facilitate both your audience’s understanding of complicated topics – and your own.
If you’re looking for further guidance on how to differentiate your communication skills and stand out in the workplace, take my free self-assessment.
I’m writing a book on thinking quickly, speaking clearly, presenting convincingly, and supercharging your executive presence. Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates on the book and its release!
