How to Explain Things Better (& Make People Understand)

You know that frustrating feeling when you’re trying to get the point across, but you can’t figure out how to make someone understand? You need some science-backed hacks, tips, and tricks to ease the confusion.

Fortunately, the art of explanation benefits both the teacher and the learner. Research shows that explaining enhances learning by helping you put complex ideas in your own words. At the same time, you make it easier for someone else to grasp new information. 

If you have trouble communicating your thoughts, ideas, or knowledge, use this step-by-step guide to explain things better.

21 Easy Ways to Explain Things Better

Great communicators are master explainers. They can take something like quantum physics or philosophy and break it into easily understandable snippets.

Whether you’re giving a speech, leading a meeting, or explaining your passion to your friends, these 21 tips can help you send a well-received message:

Start with why they should care

Every great explanation needs an audience genuinely interested in what you have to say. 

Use an interesting one-liner to capture someone’s attention and promise them something. Promises explain the psychology of why certain ideas are appealing. Look at the most viral TED Talks with its promising title and intriguing headliners that convinces you to listen:

• Do Schools Kill Creativity? by Sir Ken Robinson 
• Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are by Amy Cuddy
• How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek
• The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown

Captivating titles grab attention, and opening lines hook interest. You can use these techniques to make someone excited to learn from your ideas, even in casual conversation.

Ensure your opening, subject, or the first question tells people why they should care. For example, don’t start an email with the subject “Follow-up.” It’s boring and doesn’t help us get excited. Instead, try:

• As promised, here’s the amazing resource I promised you
• An introduction to help you with your new business
• A great book that I think you will love

Action Step: Before you dive into the explanation, start with an attention-grabbing sentence or question that will make someone care about what you have to say.

In this video, behavior researcher Vanessa Van Edwards gives more practical advice on How to Get People to Listen to You and Your Ideas:

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/fhBNwA3h

Invest time in your own research. 

Spending time on research prioritizing clear explanations over excessive details can ensure your audience grasps the main points without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary information.

Explaining abstract or complex concepts can be challenging:

• First, you have to grasp the idea yourself fully.
• Then, you must translate what you know into simple terms. 
• Lastly, you have to help someone else fit the information into an existing paradigm that makes sense in their mind. 

Without the first step, you will ultimately fail at explaining anything.

The explanation begins with true understanding in your mind.

If you haven’t learned the concept, you could risk coming off as ignorant, arrogant, or a know-it-all. Trying to teach someone something you don’t know can be a huge waste of time for both parties. 

Instead, start an explanation with the internal question, “Do I know enough about this to explain it to somebody else?” 

If you’re not prepared to explain, it’s okay to do more research and revisit the topic later. Being honest about your level of knowledge on a topic is far better than pretending to know something you don’t. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” or, “Let me get back to you on that.” 

Here are 15 Effective Ways You Can Learn How to Learn, including:

• Use the Memory Palace technique to tie new concepts to mental images of your surroundings. Here’s how:
  • Select a familiar place like home, work, or a favorite movie set.
  • Plan a path through this place, marking specific points called loci.
  • Attach each piece of information to a mental image at a particular point.
  • Engage the images with the environment for better recall.
  • Include sensory details like smells, tastes, sounds, or feelings to strengthen memory.
  • Repeat until it sticks in your long-term memory.

For example, visual cues can be used to remember three famous scientists: Einstein, Curie, and Newton. Picture Einstein’s messy desk in your bedroom, Curie’s lab coat in your bathroom, and Newton’s apple tree in your garden. These images connect to spots in your memory palace.

• Hand-write your notes instead of typing.
• Use strategic breaks to help your brain reset in between learning blocks. Try these:
  • Study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break.
  • Relax with activities such as deep breathing.
  • Use a timer app such as the Pomodoro Technique.

Action Step: Before explaining, summarize what you know in your head or on paper. Use your own words instead of just repeating information. For example, if you want to teach managers how to promote intrinsic motivation for employees, consider the differences between these explanations:  

• A dull dictionary definition says, “Intrinsic motivation is the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence.” While this may sound intellectual, it’s pretty technical and difficult to apply in real life.
• A more effective explanation might use a relatable analogy, such as: “Think of intrinsic motivation as an internal drive, while extrinsic motivation involves external rewards. In your workplace, intrinsic motivation means employees feel passionate about their work because they want to achieve personal goals, not just complete tasks for external rewards or to avoid punishment.”

Before you explain, create a mental image.

In one study of surgical students, teachers who put a mental image in the student’s head were more effective at teaching them the surgical technique. When you need to explain something, visualize an image in your head and use your words to create that mental image in your listener’s mind. 

In this TED Talk episode What are you willing to give up to change the way we work?, Martin Danoesastro asks the audience to visualize a flock of birds flying together to explain how people can make autonomous decisions while still “flying” in sync with the group.

This powerful imagery emphasizes his point that organizations should give teams more autonomy while having the same goals. 

If you tell yourself you’re not good at closing speeches, no worries! We’ve got you covered:

Put the most relevant information at the beginning and end (even if it’s slightly repeating)

The serial-position phenomenon describes why people are more likely to remember the first and last things you say. Whether you’re instructing colleagues on closing a store or teaching your grandma to use a smartphone, you should emphasize the key points at the beginning and again at the end. 

This may sound like this:

• Beginning: The most important thing to remember when closing the store is to hit this master light switch and check these two locks.
• End: Before you leave at night, always remember the two “L’s”—lights and locks.
• Beginning: Always hold the top right button to turn the phone on or off and swipe up to return to the home page.
• End: Remember, click here to turn the phone on and off (demonstrate) and swipe up to exit an app. 

Assess how much they already understand.

Ever experienced that awkward moment when someone explains something basic to you like you’re a five-year-old? Or when a presenter goes off on complex technical jargon that makes no sense to you?

Skilled explainers are acutely aware of what their audience knows and doesn’t know. That way, they don’t waste time or come across the wrong way. 

For example, If you are explaining new software to colleagues, understand their experience level. Are they familiar with similar software? Or are they beginners on a new operating system who need step-by-step instructions? Adjust your instructions accordingly.

Don’t make assumptions about how much someone knows about a topic. Before explaining, be sure you know how much they already know. 

When you don’t consider a student’s pre-existing knowledge base, it can lead to misunderstandings. Your explanation might be too basic or too advanced if you’re unaware of their prior understanding. The results may not be ideal: 

• The explainer may unintentionally seem condescending by covering basic knowledge.
• This can inadvertently make people feel insulted or dumb.
• Learners may become annoyed or disengaged if they already understand the concept.

But if you assume your audience already knows the basics of a topic, things can also go wrong:

• The explainer goes way too in-depth.
• The information goes over their head because they don’t understand the basics. 
• The learner hesitates to ask questions, fearing they’ll appear unintelligent. 
• The core message is lost.

Instead, ask if you are unsure. Search for clues about their knowledge level by asking:

• “Have you heard of this before?” 
• “Raise your hand if you have done this before.” (If explaining in a group setting)
• “On a scale of 1-10, what would you rate your level of knowledge on this topic?”

Fun Tip: Check out this fun video on how a neuroscientist explains the concept of “memory” in five varying levels of difficulty:

Break it up into small bites.

Just as you don’t eat a whole meal in one bite, avoid bombarding someone with heaps of information at once. It’s like giving them indigestion from trying to eat a whole meal in one bite.

Breaking down complex topics into lists or step-by-step guides simplifies information for your audience, providing a clear structure that enhances understanding and retention.

According to neuroscientists, big gulps of information can lead to cognitive overload that stresses the brain. Cognitive overload occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed by attempting to process excessive information, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, anger, increased stress, fatigue, and frustration.

That’s probably not your goal for an explanation! 

Instead, present big ideas in bite-size pieces. You can use the following:

• Three-part lists: There is something magical about the number three. People tend to remember things in threes because it distills a larger message into a recognizable pattern. You can sum up the ancient practice of yoga with the three words: “mind, body, and spirit.” Similarly, you can emphasize the importance of where to purchase real estate with the classic “location, location, location.”
• Step-by-step: Apply this technique for a chronological explanation, like how to change a car tire. If something seems intimidating, people feel more inclined to listen once they realize it’s only “six simple steps”:
  • Step 1: Park car on level ground
  • Step 2: Loosen the tire’s lug nuts with a tire iron
  • Step 3: Place the car jack under the car frame and jack it up
  • Step 4: Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire
  • Step 5: Put the spare tire on and lightly screw on the nuts
  • Step 6: Lower the jack and tighten the nuts in a star pattern, then remove the jack

That doesn’t seem so bad! It’s easy to understand and remember. But remember—we aren’t mechanics (we’re people researchers!), this is just an example! 

Role-playing: To explain an abstract (non-tangible) concept like people skills, consider using role-playing to act out real-life scenarios. For instance, if someone doesn’t grasp the concept of gaslighting, you can role-play a conversation where they are the victim, and you portray a gaslighter, demonstrating manipulation tactics in action.

Bonus points if you add a non-verbal cue to each of these “bites!” For example, hold up a finger to count through each step or part of a list. 

Use repetition

Studies show that repetition increases memory and learning recollection. But this doesn’t mean repeating the same thing over and over. Instead, try explaining unfamiliar concepts multiple times using different approaches while teaching someone.

Unfortunately, there’s no magic number of repetitions to ensure people remember your points, but starting with three or seven is effective. Timing matters, too, as Herman Ebbinghaus found out that evenly spaced time intervals between repetitions help memories “stick” better.

Action Step: To help someone remember a concept, try explaining it using a 5-minute spaced repetition schedule to improve their memory retention. For example, if a client is struggling to use a new software product, you might:

• Start by addressing the key problem they are repeating by pulling up a page and demonstrating the proper sequence of actions. 
• Take a few minutes to explain smaller steps to make their process easier.
• After 5 minutes, return to the original issue and repeat the demonstration more quickly with a slightly different language. 
• In the end, review the entire process together, guiding them as they perform the task to ensure it works correctly.

Pro Tip: You might want to use Anki or Quizlet for spaced repetition flashcards. Schedule regular reviews to boost memory retention.

Keep it simple & avoid jargon.

Let’s talk about simplicity in communication. This is where we are going to skip the jargon and get straight to practical tips for clear, concise explanations. 

The best explanations are usually simple and straight to the point. Big words and complex sentences may make you feel more intellectual, but they can distract from your main fact. 

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

—Albert Einstein.

You can simplify your explanation by:

• Eliminating unnecessary or distracting phrases
• Communicating big-picture ideas 
• Ditching the nitty-gritty details
• Avoiding technical jargon (talk in plain language)
• Giving concrete examples
• Making it relevant to your audience
• Speaking in short sentences 

For example, check out this reveal video of the first iPad in 2010:

Notice how Steve Jobs, when he introduced the iPad, simply said, “This is what it looks like.” He doesn’t dive straight away into the technical specs. He doesn’t explain what it is. He just says it’s thin and looks like this. Simple, right?

Here is a quick review! Simple Communication vs Complex Communication

Simple	Complex
Use familiar language: “Press the red button.”	Technical language: “Activate the crimson switch”
Avoid jargon: “Customer satisfaction”	Jargon: “Client contentment index”
Clear explanations: “Click here to download”	Complicated explanations: “Utilize the hyperlink to initiate the download process.”
Remove distractions: “Focus on the main idea.”	Include distractions: “Consider peripheral details.”
Concrete examples: “Like driving a car, you need a license to operate heavy machinery.”	Abstract concepts: “Proficiency in task management parallels licensure requirements for vehicle operation.”
Audience relevance: “This product benefits busy parents.”	Irrelevant to the audience: “This product utilizes advanced algorithms.”

Don’t pretend to be an expert.

Socially skilled people don’t pretend to be experts in everything. Instead, they only talk deeply about topics that they are knowledgeable about. There is no shame in admitting that you are still a student. After all, being a lifelong learner is a crucial indicator of a growth mindset.

You can explain concepts to others even without being an expert. Just avoid pretending to know more than you do.

Watch our video below to learn the 6 most commonly mispronounced words:

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/Miq4hJuW

For example, Say you love reading books about natural healing and making tea blends. You can share your knowledge of herbalism and tea blending with friends even without formal medical training. Just let them know you’re not an expert in the field.

You can say:

• “Honestly, I’m not an expert in this. It’s just my side hobby.”
• “I just recently started learning about this, and I am excited to learn more.”
• “Most of what I know is from my trial and error, so just keep in mind that I’m not a professional.”

Pro Tip: If you have put in your 10,000 hours and are an expert on a topic, props to you! You are ready to explain your area of expertise to others. You can subtly mention your years of experience or titles to back up your knowledge, but try not to brag.

For more fresh insights, try this! How to Promote Yourself and Your Ideas Without Being Obnoxious

Provide reputable resources and evidence. 

Sociologists have found that people who reference statistical evidence tend to be more convincing in their message. This is because statistical evidence is often perceived as more scientific and objective, making it more convincing to audiences. Evidence increases you:

• Credibility
• Perceived intelligence
• Trustworthiness 

Trustworthiness is another aspect influenced by the use of evidence, such as citing credible sources to show transparency and honesty.

For instance, You can reference respected medical journals like The New England Journal of Medicine when discussing treatments that build confidence in your information.

Think about it: If you read an article titled Be More Likable Using These 5 Science-Backed Strategies, but the author couldn’t point to any psychological research or studies, you might question their credibility, right? This article (and every guide on Science of People) is backed by real research studies and data linked throughout the text. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to show up to a conversation with a bibliography!  

Instead, keep the names of influential people, books, or websites in your back pocket. If someone is genuinely interested in the subject, they might want to know where you got the information and how they can learn more. 

Action Step: Imagine your favorite topic. For example, you may spend much of your free time learning about personal development. To explain to your mom what personal growth is, it may help to reference leading experts in such fields as Tony Robbins or Jim Rohn or bring up relevant books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. These resources show that you’ve done your homework while giving her a jumping-off point to start her growth journey.

Create your own mnemonic. 

Mnemonics are powerful memory aids that help people retain information more effectively. They can take various forms, such as acronyms, rhymes, or memorable phrases, and serve as mental shortcuts for recalling complex information.

For example, To remember the colors of the rainbow in order, you might use the mnemonic “ROYGBIV,” where each letter represents a color (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

According to brain expert Jim Kwik, mnemonic devices are simple memory hacks for storing and recalling information in your brain. Whether explaining a general principle or diving in-depth, creating mini-hacks can help people remember key points easily.

For example:

• If you’re teaching someone the rules of spelling, you may use the rhyme “I before E except after C.” 
• When helping your work team set better goals, reference the SMART acronym:
  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Realistic
  • Time-Based
• When explaining how to turn screws or lightbulbs, you can use the classic “right tighty, lefty loosey.”  

Mnemonics help people anchor ideas using a memorable framework. 

Pro Tip: When creating your own mnemonic, focus on:

• Keep mnemonics simple and relevant to the information.
• Use visual or auditory cues for better retention.
• Practice regularly to reinforce effectiveness.

Use these superpower explanation tactics. 

Comparing complex concepts to familiar experiences using similes, metaphors, and analogies makes them easier to understand and more relatable. This approach connects unfamiliar concepts with what your audience already knows.

If you want people to listen to (and remember) your ideas, explain things with creative speech techniques.

According to Harvard professor John Antonakis, the most charismatic speakers and teachers use “charismatic leadership tactics” (CLTs) to make people more inclined to listen to them and retain information. 

The main CLTs include:

• Metaphors: These are like mini-stories that connect a new concept with something familiar. This figure of speech makes two unrelated things seem similar. For example, “Learning to read micro-expressions can make life suddenly seem like High Definition TV. You suddenly notice details you didn’t see before.” 
• Similes: When you compare two things using the word “like,” it is considered a simile. For example, Vanessa Van Edwards always says, “People skills are like the social lubricant of life.” 
• Analogies: An analogy compares two topics in a way that is easy to reference throughout your explanation. For example, “A glove is to the hand as a sock is to the foot.” Use the structure of “(first word) is to (second word) as (first comparison) is to (second comparison).” 

Here’s a quick review of the three literary approaches:

Technique	Usage	Example	Purpose
Simile	Compares two things using “like” or “as”	Her eyes sparkled like stars	Enhances description through direct comparison
Metaphor	States that one thing is another	The world’s a stage	Creates vivid imagery through symbolic association
Analogy	Compares two things to explain or understand something	Life is a roller coaster	Provides a deeper understanding by drawing connections

These hacks are handy for public speaking. Here are 15 Science-Based Public Speaking Tips To Be A Master Speaker. 

Use storytelling

There is a lot of power behind “once upon a time.” Neuroscience shows that humans are wired to respond to stories. Real-life examples breathe life into abstract ideas, making them more relatable and understandable.

Research indicates that stories activate our brains to make us feel like we are inside the story. This helps:

• Capture the listener’s attention
• Make your points more memorable

Bonus points: If you can link parts of your stories to metaphors and facts or figures that make your explanation more detailed.

For example, if you want to explain the science of flower pollination to a child, you can make it a playful and imaginative story like this one:

“Pollination is like a teamwork game between flowers and insects. Imagine a friendly apple tree that loves making fruits but needs a little help. She invites bees to a sweet party inside her flowers. When a bee visits, it dances around looking for sugary treats. In the process, it collects yellow pollen on its fuzzy body. Then, it visits other flowers, spreading the pollen like magic dust. This helps the apple tree grow delicious fruits. So, it’s like a big hug between the bees and the flowers, making everyone happy!”

In this TED Talk, Leland Melvin uses animated body language and humorous storytelling to explain the realities of a NASA astronaut:

Whether explaining to a kid or an adult, storytelling can make technical or scientific topics sound more engaging and easier to remember. Let your creativity run wild with this guide on How to Unleash Your Inner Creative Genius. 

Use visual cues

This research indicates that visual cues help topics to be more understandable by providing concrete visible stimuli that draw the listener’s attention, highlight information, trigger memory, or give clues.

Visual cues can be used to support language learning in various domains, such as:

• Listening: Pairing sounds with images, like showing animals when teaching their names in a new language.
• Speaking: Using picture flashcards to spark conversations or storytelling sessions, helping learners practice words and sentences.
• Reading: Adding illustrations or videos to written materials to make them easier to understand and more engaging.
• Writing: Offering visual prompts, like diagrams or mind maps, to help structure and organize written work effectively.

Examples of visual cues include:

• Hand gestures: Demonstrating size with wide or close hand movements.
• Facial expressions: Smiling for positivity or furrowing brows for confusion.
• Pictures: Using diagrams or images to illustrate concepts.
• Language: Describing vivid scenes to enhance understanding.

The human mind processes images 60,000 times faster than words, which is why a visual means of explanation is just as important as verbalization. 

You can use a Venn diagram to illustrate both the similarities and differences between things.

You can also create your own diagrams like the one Vanessa Van Edwards used in her book Cues. 

Pro Tip: Do you have a whiteboard or piece of paper you can use to explain your concepts? Draw out ideas! Do you have slides that can accompany your ideas? Get visual!

Notice the body language cues of confusion versus understanding

Explanations are still conversations. To ensure you are making sense, you can read the non-verbal signals of the person you are communicating with.

Sometimes, people don’t want to admit that they are confused or have trouble understanding openly. Instead, they often just nod their head as you talk because they don’t want to seem rude or, worse—feel unintelligent.

Look for these subtle cues to understand your listener and consider whether you need to change your approach: 

Confusion Body Language	Comprehension Body Language
Wrinkled or furrowed brows	Neutral, wrinkle-free forehead
Slouching down	Leaning forward
Wandering eyes	Direct eye contact
One eyebrow raised higher than the other	Eyebrows
Shoulder shrug	Straight, relaxed spine
Scrunched up nose	Neutral nose
Lips pursed together	Mouth relaxed

Remember: Body language cues can vary depending on the individual’s personality, cultural background, and communication style. What may indicate confusion for one person might not be the same for another. Consider these strategies:

• Watch for clues: Pay attention to clusters of body language signals. For instance, if someone nods, leans forward, and maintains eye contact while you speak, they probably understand what you’re saying.

• Know their norm: Before jumping to conclusions, observe the person’s typical body language. People express themselves uniquely, so it’s easier to notice deviations from their usual behavior.
• Be flexible: If someone seems confused, switch to simpler language or draw a quick diagram to clarify your point.

Want to enhance your communication skills? Try these: Communication Skills Training: 6 Things You Need To Look For

Ask questions during a conversation.

Asking questions in conversations helps people grasp explanations better. It shows engagement and lets you check to understand and get feedback.

Research in communication psychology highlights the significance of interactive dialogue for better understanding. A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology shows that asking questions boosts learning by making people think deeper. Feedback is crucial for correcting mistakes and strengthening comprehension.

You should periodically ask your listener or student questions to ensure that they’re on the same page with you. Just make sure you don’t sound condescending. 

Encourage feedback with open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “Do you understand?” try, “What are your thoughts on this?” to invite more detailed feedback.

Ask for specific feedback, like:

• “Does that make sense?”
• “Does it seem like something is missing?” 
• “Do you have any questions?”
• “Do you remember X point?”

Lastly, follow-up: Listen attentively, ask more questions, and make additional comments to deepen the conversation and ensure understanding.

Add some humor

Research has shown that incorporating humor into educational materials can improve information retention and engagement, and another study found that students who attended humorous lectures performed even better on quizzes.

So what’s the big deal?

Injecting humor into your explanations can make them more engaging and memorable.

Think of humor as adding sprinkles to a cupcake—-it makes everything more fun! Plus, it shows your audience that you don’t take yourself too seriously, which can help create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Here’s how to add some humor, even if you’re not that funny:

• Think of funny anecdotes or personal experiences related to a topic you’re trying to explain. For example, at a family dinner, you’re trying to explain quantum physics to them, and then you tell a story about fixing a lawnmower using quantum physics, only to launch it into the neighbor’s yard!
• Incorporate puns or wordplay, but don’t overdo it. For instance, when discussing the intricacies of artificial intelligence ethics, you could say it’s as tricky as trying to teach a fish to ride a bicycle—-it just doesn’t quite click, does it?
• Share humorous memes or GIFs that relate to your explanation, especially when doing a virtual explanation.
• Use playful language and tone but still maintain professionalism.

Reminder: Humor is subjective, so what’s funny to one person might not be to another. Pay attention to your audience’s response and adjust accordingly.

Encourage brainstorming

Sure, you can brainstorm, but are you doing it efficiently?

Research shows that collaborative brainstorming boosts creativity and innovation by bringing everyone’s own unique perspective and experiences to the table, where they can come up with ideas that are better than any one person could have come up with alone. 

In other words, the more brain power you have, the more out-of-the-box ideas you’ll get! This is great for explaining things, especially if you’re having a hard time stepping out of your own viewpoints and need a broader perspective.

Brainstorming sessions can:

• Infuse excitement and curiosity into learning to keep participants engaged
• Encourage active participation to share diverse viewpoints and enrich the learning experience
• Promotes open discussions for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter, leading to a deeper understanding
• Utilize interactive learning experiences for better retention of information and skills

For example: Start the meeting by introducing a brainstorming session using “brainwriting.” Each team member writes down ideas on sticky notes for 5 minutes, followed by a discussion of each idea. Emphasize that all ideas are valuable and encourage active participation.

Here are some popular and effective brainstorming techniques:

• Fishbowl: Engages multiple participants in focused discussions during brainstorming. Participants discuss the issue inside while others observe from outside.
• Classic Brainstorming: Participants freely share ideas without criticism, prioritizing quantity over quality. A note-taker records ideas for evaluation later.
• Mind Mapping: Visual representation of ideas, starting with a central concept and branching out with related sub-topics and ideas to show connections and relationships.
• Crawford’s Slip-Writing Approach: Participants independently write ideas on slips of paper, which are collected, shuffled, and read aloud anonymously to encourage unbiased idea exploration.
• Reverse Brainstorming: Focuses on generating problems or challenges, then brainstorming solutions to break through mental blocks.
• Starbursting: Focuses on a central idea, exploring different aspects systematically by asking Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.

For more interesting tips, try this: 40 Fun Team Meeting Ideas Your Team Will Never Forget.

Craft interactive experiences

Creating interactive experiences is a powerful way to captivate your audience and enhance their learning and retention of information. By actively involving listeners through quizzes, polls, and interactive exercises, you create a more impactful and memorable learning experience.

A study by Harvard Business School found that incorporating interactive elements into presentations increased audience engagement by 64% and improved retention of key concepts by 25%.

Here’s how:

• Incorporate quizzes or polls into presentations or discussions to prompt audience participation. I especially love polls with unique questions!
• Design interactive exercises that encourage listeners to apply concepts in real time.
• Utilize online platforms or apps to create interactive elements (more on that below!) for virtual presentations or workshops.

For instance, during sales training, live polls can be used to collect ideas on effective sales techniques from participants. They might not know the right techniques, but getting them “invested” really helps engagement and thus helps them understand things better.

Here are some tools you can lean on:

• Mentimeter: Spices up presentations with live polls, quizzes, word clouds, Q&A sessions, and more, keeping audiences engaged whether in-person or online.
• Poll Everywhere: This lets you craft engaging polls, surveys, and open-ended questions. Participants can share their input online, via text, or using the app.
• Kahoot!: A hit platform for interactive quizzes, surveys, and challenges. Perfect for education or business, it spices up learning and engagement with gamified fun.
• Quizizz: Get ready for interactive learning fun! Join quizzes using code, compete in real-time, and make learning a blast.
• Slido: Engage your audience with live polls, Q&A, quizzes, and interactive brainstorming. Seamlessly integrates with PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Zoom.

Use compare and contrast.

Compare and contrast is a great, simple way to explain things. You can clarify concepts by pointing out similarities and differences.

Action Step:

• Identify the key concepts or ideas you want to compare and contrast.
• Make a list of similarities and differences between them.
• Organize your comparison and contrast in a clear and logical manner, using either a side-by-side comparison or a point-by-point analysis.
• Use visual aids such as tables, charts, or diagrams to illustrate your points if necessary.
• Provide real-life examples or case studies to demonstrate how the concepts apply in practice.

For example, Traditional Education vs. Online Learning

Aspect	Traditional Education	Online Learning
Acquiring Knowledge & Skills	Both provide learning opportunities	Both offer flexibility and self-pacing
Self-discipline & Motivation Requirement	Requires student motivation and discipline	Demands self-motivation and discipline
Academic Credentials/Certifications	Leads to recognized certifications	Can result in academic qualifications
Interaction	In-person interaction with peers and instructors	Primarily remote interaction with minimal face-to-face
Schedule & Flexibility	Follows fixed schedules and curriculum	Offers customizable schedules and content

Want to master the art of presentations? Check out these: 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills

Relate to personal experiences.

Of course, you can hear a story about X number of people winning the lottery every year. But if you tell the story of a friend you knew who won a million dollars? Now that is much more interesting! Similarly, using personal experience boosts engagement by a ton.

One study found that individuals were more likely to engage with and remember information when it was presented in a way that related to their own experiences.

Action Step:

• Listen actively: Pay attention to the experiences and interests of the person you’re speaking with.
• Find common ground: Look for similarities between your topic and their personal experiences.
• Share anecdotes: Use relevant personal stories or examples to illustrate key points.
• Ask questions: Encourage the listener to share their own experiences related to the topic.
• Relate benefits: Connect the information to how it can positively impact their life based on their experiences.

For example, If discussing the benefits of regular exercise:

• “I used to struggle with exercise motivation, but adding short workouts to my daily routine boosted my energy and mood.
• “Ever felt that post-workout high? It’s incredible how it lifts mood and productivity.”

Fun Tip: Try spicing up your explanations with personal anecdotes or pop culture nods into your explanations. It adds flair and makes conversations more memorable. Just keep it relevant and appropriate!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How To Make People Understand

How can I improve my understanding of complex concepts before explaining them to others?

Investing time in thorough research is crucial. This involves fully grasping the concept yourself, translating it into simpler terms, and ensuring you can help others understand it within their existing knowledge framework.

How can I avoid overwhelming someone with information during explanations?

Breaking down information into smaller, digestible parts enables the listener to grasp each concept more easily, promoting better understanding and retention. You can try incorporating role-playing or storytelling techniques that actively involve the listener, making the explanation more engaging and memorable.

What should I do if I’m not an expert on a topic I need to explain?

Be honest about your level of expertise, avoid pretending to know more than you do, and focus on sharing what you know while acknowledging your limitations.

What are some effective speech techniques to make explanations more engaging?

Charismatic tactics like metaphors, analogies, and storytelling capture attention and boost information retention. Humor and personal anecdotes humanize explanations, making them relatable and memorable, making them easy to understand.

Why is visual communication important in explanations?

Using visual cues improves understanding and accommodates various learning styles, broadening accessibility. Experiment with diverse visual elements like infographics or interactive presentations to engage your audience and reinforce key points efficiently.

Key Takeaways

Explanation is a critical skill for parents, bosses, and anyone who loves to learn. If you can explain yourself using simple, direct language, you could transform your personal relationships. Regardless of what you’re explaining, remember to:

• Make it meaningful to them: If you can’t convince your audience why they should care, your explanation could be a total waste of time. Use an intriguing sparkline that states the promise or benefit of your explanation in one sentence.
• Create a visual image: People think in images, not words. If you can ground your explanation in a concrete visualization, people are more likely to remember what you have to say. 
• Break it up into small bits: Big concepts are intimidating, but smaller chunks are easy to understand. Use three-part lists, step-by-step guides, or role-playing to simplify your explanation.
• Pay attention to their nonverbal and verbal feedback: If someone shows signs of confusion (like a furrowed brow or averted gaze), it might be time to go back and ask some questions like, “Are you still with me?” 

Ultimately, your explanations determine if people want to listen to your ideas. A clearly communicated message is the secret sauce to great teaching, successful marketing, and captivating speeches. 
Want to be more convincing? Here are 8 Techniques You Can Learn To Become More Persuasive