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

"Six Tips for Talking Technical When Your Audience Isn't" Author: Janis Robinson Presented by kanayo adibe

Introduction Addressing 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.

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