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Do you know that unpleasant feeling when you are trying to get your point across, but you notice that your interlocutor simply does not understand you? You try again and again, but it seems that none of your words are heard?
Do not despair - it is better to learn about ways to explain things so that they can be understood by anyone.
1. Wake up the interest of your interlocutor
You've probably been to boring lectures that made you drowsy. To prevent your story from turning into something like that, make sure you keep your audience interested.
Exciting opening words help to grab attention and make others listen to you. Here are some phrases that will help with that:
- “I want to share a secret with you”;
- “Just imagine”;
- “Good news”;
- “You know what struck me?”;
- “Careful.”
By starting your narrative with these phrases and words, you're more likely to be able to hold your conversation partner's attention and make them listen to you without distraction.
2. Create mental images before you start explaining things
When you need to communicate something to another person, visualize an image of what you're going to talk about in your head. This will help you find the words that will create the same image in your listeners and help them understand what you are talking about.
For example, you might suggest that you imagine a flock of birds flying in a wedge to emphasize that people can make independent decisions but at the same time work as a team.
By using interesting images, you will be able to emphasize your point and make other people show interest in your words.
3. Talk about the most important things at the beginning and at the end
There is a phenomenon of the sequential position: according to it, people remember better the first and the last thing you say. It's definitely worth using this to your advantage.
Whether you're instructing your colleagues on a certain task or teaching your grandmother how to use a smartphone: always emphasize key information at the beginning of a conversation and at the moment you want to end it.
4. Assess the interlocutor's understanding at the moment
Have you ever felt uncomfortable when someone tells you something basic as if you were a five-year-old child? Or when the speaker used complicated technical jargon that you didn't understand?
Always try to understand the level of experience and awareness of the person you're talking to before you explain something to them. You can ask a question like “Do you know about this?” or “Have you ever heard of...?”.
Then analyze whether you should give the person step-by-step instructions or if you can limit yourself to a couple of phrases that he or she will definitely understand.
5. Divide the explanation into small parts
Don't overload the person you are talking to with tons of information if you want them to understand you.
Break down complex topics into lists or step-by-step guides, take breaks between different ideas - try to create a structure in your story that will improve comprehension and memorization.
Present big ideas in small parts in chronological order and remember to emphasize what seems most important to you.
6. Use repetition
Repetition helps us remember information better. But that doesn't mean you have to keep saying the same thing over and over like a parrot.
Try to explain unfamiliar concepts several times, using different approaches if the other person doesn't understand you. For example, mention a key word every five minutes or emphasize with intonation what actions will lead to a better result.
7. Be simple
Simplicity of communication is the key to understanding. Try not to use complex terms, jargon, words that will be difficult for the other person to understand.
The best explanations are simple and straightforward. They contain not too long words and phrases that help you focus on the facts and delivery of the information.
8. Don't pretend to be an expert
Even the most qualified professionals can't be experts in everything. Instead of pretending that you know a lot, try to reason about what you are certain of.
There is no shame in admitting that you are not knowledgeable about some things. On the contrary, it can make your interlocutors feel that you are just as human as they are, which will help them listen to you and try to understand you better.
9. Use metaphors and comparisons
Comparing complex things and concepts to familiar experiences makes the incomprehensible simpler.
Use creative speech techniques to make people listen to you and understand. For example, compare the world to a stage where each person plays a different role, or make the analogy that life is like a roller coaster.
These techniques are useful for both everyday conversations and public speaking.
10. Watch your interlocutors' body language
To find out whether people understand you or not, watch their body language. Sometimes people don't want to openly admit that they are confused or that your speech is too complicated for them.
Here are some subtle signals that tell you it's time to change your approach to explaining your thoughts:
- people frown their eyebrows;
- they slouch;
- their gaze is wandering rather than directed at you;
- one eyebrow is raised higher than the other;
- they shrug their shoulders or wrinkle their nose;
- they pucker their lips or bite them.
Of course, body signals can vary from person to person. But still, if you're noticing these signs, it's worth working on how you deliver the information.
11. Ask questions during the conversation
By asking questions during your narration, you help people understand your explanation better and also engage them in the conversation, making it more interesting.
Here are a few questions that will work for you:
- “Does this make sense?”;
- “Do you remember what I was talking about earlier?”;
- “Does my explanation seem to be missing something?”.
By listening to your interlocutor's answers, you will be able to adjust your speech, making it more accessible and understandable, and further clarify the points he or she missed.
12. Add a little humor
To help others learn better, use humor. It helps to make explanations interesting and memorable, and it also helps to lighten the mood.
You can use an appropriate anecdote as a comparison or metaphor, make a reference to a meme or a funny moment from a movie, include irony in your speech to emphasize important points.
But don't overdo it: let humor be a point inclusion in a serious speech. If there's too much of it, the explanation will turn into standup and is unlikely to produce the results you're hoping for.
13. Refer to personal experience
Talking about personal experiences increases listener engagement, which helps listeners absorb information better.
Don't hesitate to share facts that will deepen the topic and shed light on what you want to convey. The main thing is that they should be relevant and not too personal, so as not to embarrass your interlocutors.
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