Six Tips for Talking Technical When Your

Audience Isn’t.Chelsea Barker

Professor HarrisENGL 393

19 October 2010

Introduction Article written by Janis Robinson. Many people have been immersed in

computing and technology; however, many people are just at the beginning of their experience.

The opportunity to speak to nontechnical audiences presents itself through training, customer help desks calls, seminars and conferences.

Tips that make presentations even more effective for beginners.

1. Determine the goal of the audience.

2. Put your audience at ease. 3. Use analogies. 4. Reconsider each use of an

acronym. 5. Don’t be a techno-snob. 6. Show, don’t tell.

Determine the goal of the audience Some attendees may still be at the

introductory learning stage. Check with the coordinator of your

presentation or, even better, ask to speak to a few of the participants.

Find out what they hope to do after your session and customize your presentation accordingly.

(Robinson).

Put your audience at ease Some members of a

nontechnical audience will be feeling tension, even terror, at the thought of your presentation.

Try to spot anyone who is truly scared. If you have time, privately and tactfully determine why they are afraid and do not publicly address them unless they volunteer.

(Robinson).

Use Analogies Plan several analogies, stories and

metaphors customized for the audience for each point.

By thinking ahead about how you might explain the concepts, you eliminate the chance of going blank just when you need that special example.

No matter how perfect an analogy is, the audience won't be energized unless you are.

(Robinson).

Reconsider each use of an acronym Provide a written glossary of all terms

in the handout and explain any jargon you decide to include.

If you intend to use specialized technical language, be prepared to explain without using more jargon. However, it is best to minimize or discard it.

(Robinson).

Don’t be a techno-slob

Eliminate the following phrases from your repertoire: "It's obvious...", "As you all know...", "It's common knowledge that...".

Never forget that there was a time when, even for you, it wasn't obvious, you didn't know, and it wasn't common knowledge.

(Robinson).

Show, don’t tell A well prepared and practiced

performance using the presentation software of your choice can say volumes more than static overheads.

Because everything about any presentation can go bad, have overheads ready and a flipchart on hand.

(Robinson).

Lastly There are challenges to overcome

when presenting technology to a nontechnical audience. It is also a wonderful chance to share your enthusiasm and help your audience enjoy technology as much as you do.

(Robinson).

Work Cited Robinson, Janis. "Six Tips for Talking Technical

When Your Audience Isn't." Presentations Magazine (1997): n. pag. Web. 28 Sep 2010.

<http://jgrobinson.tripod.com/pdfstuff/Speakers_Notes.PDF>.