"Six Tips for Talking Technical When Your Audience Isn't"

Author: Janis Robinson

Presented by kanayo adibe

IntroductionAddressing a non technical audience.

• Determine the audience's technology level before you speak.

• Put your audience at ease.

• Don't be a techno-snob.

• Avoid using jargon or acronyms.

• Use verbal illustrations.

• Whenever possible show, don't tell.

• conclusion

Determine the audience's technology level before you speak

• Check with the program coordinator or speak to a few likely participants.

• Determine the audiences use for your information and customize your presentation accordingly.

• Address specific needs.

Put your audience at ease

• Break all tension in the room.

• Approach fearful or tensed individuals privately.

• Use humor and an icebreaker.

Don’t be a techno-snob• Eliminate phrases from repertoire:

– “It’s obvious”– “it’s common knowledge”– “As you all know”

• Could be condescending and make non technical audiences feel less knowledgeable.

Avoid using jargon or acronyms

• Inability to explain jargon in non technical terms could lead to lack of credibility.

• When using technical terms, Be prepared.

• Provide glossary handout.

Use verbal illustrations

• Tell stories, plan several analogies and metaphors customized for the audience. i.e. architectural, engineering, poetic.

• Examples include; I-beam metaphors, internet as a highway metaphors.

Whenever possible show don’t tell

• videos

• Images

• Animations

• demonstrations

Conclusion

• Lots of challenges come with addressing a non technical audience, however, if done correctly your enthusiasm could be shared and the technology could also be enjoyed and embraced by the audience.