Communicating Complex Ideas the Smart Way

Communicating Complex Ideas the Smart Way

Having an incredible idea is a Game Changer. You make sense of it and it translates well on paper. However, you find it hard to explain to people around you. This could help you formate the ideas so that when it's time to make a pitch, you have a perfect close.

1. Don't fall prey to the curse of Knowledge

This might sound horrific but there is nothing wrong with knowledge but avoid those technical jargons and sharp talks. it simply might not resonate well with everyone. simply make it stick. To assume your audience understands what you are saying and simply take shortcuts with your explanations. 


2. The twitter test

Keep your introduction short and interesting, 140 words or less is fine. be less complicated with your words.


3. Keep the Information orderly

As they say "it's not what you say, it's how you say it" break your information into bits and pieces and let it have that flow so that your audience can absorb each point and understand how they all fit together.


4. Give a relatable example of a problem that can be fixed

At some point in our lives, we all have experienced a problem or challenge. share a problem that your audience can relate to. even though the actual solution might sound complex, the thought of having a way out of it surely will sound appealing.


5. Let People find it easy to refer to your Idea

This can be possible through Instagram, online reading, webinars or even tutorials. All that matter is your audience or people be able to read up on your idea anytime they want to.
You can also take advantage of the opportunities attached to this which includes you answering questions, keeping up with suggestions and concerns and making available to you information you might have missed.


6. Create Visuals

Visuals are very important and impactful when giving presentations. it creates a little excitement when using figures and technical jargon. this helps your audience flow well with your presentation aiding their ability to understand and remember the information you are conveying.


7. The Power of 3

In a presentation or discussion, people tend to take home 3 facts. Highlight those 3 most important pieces of information with the use of visuals so that your audience can have a greater chance of retention.


8. Know Thy Audience

Your approach matter a lot. if you are communicating your idea to academics in the field, it's fine but if not try to reassess what they know. it's also clear that the act of knowing your audience is a journey. not a destination.


9. Support your idea with strong Examples and case studies

This help eliminates doubt when addressing your Audience. validated information makes you more credible and believable. using case studies, examples, documentary evidence, scientific proof can help support your claims however avoid exaggerating and be sure your proof is legit.


10. Be a Raconteur

Tell the Story well, Don't drag the story and avoid mincing words. Be like a great radio presenter. even though you feel like you have so much to say, say less in a creative way.


11. Back of the Napkin concept

Dam Roam argues that a simple drawing done on the back of a napkin be more powerful than any excel spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation. The point here remains the same, keep things simple, understandable and relatable.


12. Your Audience's shoes

Putting yourself in your audience' shoes helps you understand how you can gain your audience undivided attention.  Be sure you are presenting your information in a better atmospheric condition and at the right time.


13. State the fundamentals

Learning maths starts with the basics and the basics serve as fundamentals towards other theories. Communicating a complex idea should also begin with the fundamentals and then you can build your way up to the more complex part of the idea all within 5 minutes and remember to highlight those 3 important facts.


14. Be Transparent and clear about Risks and Consequences

Don't act like you know everything or pretend you have a perfect idea. open up to your audience, note the possible risk factors and potential consequences. Your audience would rather know that you are aware of the pros and cons and what you are doing to alleviate the risk you highlighted. Being transparent does your idea more good than harm. 


15. Compare the past from the present

Talk about something from the past and how it has either gotten better or worse over time. such old fashioned comparison works wonders when communicating a complex idea. it's clear and effective. you can also explain how the example will get worse if your idea is not implemented. but try to stick with positive facts for the future. everyone respond to positivity.

We hope this help improve your communication skills.