How do you communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?

When training engineers on 'TechMaster', start by surveying their proficiency and training expectations. Analyse responses to identify learning needs. You might find two groups: novices and experienced users. Create personas, 'Novice Nick' and 'Experienced Emma', to represent these groups. Nick, possibly a recent graduate, needs a comprehensive introduction. Emma, a seasoned engineer, wants to enhance her skills. Plan your training accordingly. For Nick, cover basics like opening a project. For Emma, recap basics and delve into advanced features. Use these personas as guides to tailor your training to your audience's needs.

To communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, use simple, jargon-free language and focus on the benefits and impact of the technology. Utilize visual aids and analogies to make complex ideas more relatable and easier to understand. Engage stakeholders by encouraging questions and providing clear, concise explanations.

Be sure to consider the culture and learning maturity of the organization. This will help you determine the tactics you use for getting your message across. For instance, a companies that expects employees to be active learners and to engage in abroad range of learning opportunities might have participants that respond very favorably to highly-participative material, while organizations that favor deep knowledge retained by a select few in each knowledge area might have participants that prefer to receive strictly-bounded lessons in more passive formats.

One thing I've found helpful is to stay consistent with the analogies, and continue using them throughout the training. Repeat them as necessary, and relate them back to the corresponding terminology to help your audience make those connections.

If you know the roles and experiences of your audience members well, relate these metaphors and analogies to well-known concepts or practices within their well-understood areas of expertise.

Understand clearly what "needs" to be known. Avoiding technical fluff will help to retain an audience, but the message may be lost if key language cannot be referenced at a later date. Make the training accessible, but don't make it useless. Keep analogies simple, and rehearse them beforehand with test audiences. Modifying an analogy mid session will derail the learners journey.

Relating to technology or systems they already know is essential when introducing new technical concepts. This could be an existing technology they use or a more broadly understood analogy. Consistently incorporating these analogies into your training will help your audience connect to the concept.

Review basic design concepts for visual presentations. Vary colors, fonts, and graphic styles. Use interesting artwork or icons. You may even consider building yourself a portfolio of your own images, photos, or clip art to be re-used.

"Communication is the real work of leadership," said Nitin Nohria. When communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, it's essential to check for understanding. Start by simplifying complex ideas using analogies and straightforward language. After explaining, pause and ask clarifying questions to gauge their comprehension, such as, "Does that make sense?" or "Can I clarify any part of that?" One effective practice is to use visuals, like diagrams or infographics, to make abstract concepts more tangible. A common mistake is assuming understanding without confirmation. By regularly checking for understanding, you ensure that stakeholders are on the same page and can make informed decisions based on the information provided.

A one-sided training is good for no one. Have built-in checks throughout a training delivery to solicit feedback. Remember, only some people are comfortable and confident enough to ask their questions aloud, so provide multiple ways of feedback.

Using small-group breakout sessions to allow for deeper exploration of well-defined topics will help retention. People are more likely to retain information that is reinforced by personal interaction with peers.

Dont be afraid to ask well framed questions in the beginning of a technical session. Make sure learners will see their relevance, and highlight the usefulness of your session. Make sure to return to these questions throughout the session, and allow audiences to provide answers when personally discovered. These "moments" create value for the individual and the group and aid retention.

As a technical trainer, I use analogies to simplify complex concepts. I compare software development to building construction. Just like builders need a blueprint, we need a design before coding. Changing plans mid-way, like adding a room to a nearly finished house, escalates costs and effort. This analogy helps trainees understand why last-minute changes are challenging. My enthusiasm and understanding of learners' perspectives foster a collaborative learning environment.

If possible, provide contact information for follow-up and to build a network of continuous learners that attendees can join and interact with. If you have access to resources that may be easily (and legally!) shared, consider creating a "network hub," such as your LinkedIn page or individual webpage, as a repository for these resources and contacts.

Bring energy and encourage curiosity! Technical topics do not lend themselves to everyone, and learners with different backgrounds may not find the inward joy and enthusiasm you have for a specialism or interest. Bring it for them, and they will attach to your energy even if not the material directly. No learner can have more energy than you, as you set the room...