How well do you communicate? For a brief self-assessment, ask yourself the following questions (and be honest!): Do you get along with all your coworkers, your boss, your direct reports? Is it easy to talk to them? Are you successful in working with any “challenging” coworkers (we all have one!)? Does everyone understand what you mean the first time? If you use AI to generate content, does following an AI script work well in conversation?
Meaning Keeps Non-Technical Listeners Engaged
I recently met with a client who was concerned about presenting on a “dry topic”. His topic was full of data and technical concepts that he felt would bore the audience, and after hearing his first run through, he was correct.
One of the best ways to present technical information to a non-technical audience is to focus on what data means, not on the data itself. For example, if you analyze the stat sheet of your favorite athlete, the collection of numbers and statistics translate into how good or great the athlete is. Perhaps the data indicates that they are stronger on the road than they are at home, which is meaningful when you plan to bet on a game.
This example translates across industry from life-sciences to logistics. Instead of breaking down the scientific method, talk about how many lives your therapy saved, or how quickly life-saving supplies can be received after employing your new system.
Getting to the point or meaning behind your message will keep your non-technical listeners glued to your message. Then, when they seek you out to learn more, you’ll have the details in hand and ready for them to dive in.
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