How can you present technical information without jargon?

1 Know your audience

The first step to avoid jargon is to know who you are talking to. What is their background, level of knowledge, and interest in your topic? What are their needs, expectations, and goals? How will they use or benefit from your information? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your presentation to their level of understanding and relevance. It will also help you avoid assumptions, acronyms, and terms that they may not know or care about. For example, if you are presenting to a group of software developers, you can use more technical terms and code snippets than if you are presenting to a group of managers or customers.

2 Simplify your language

The second step to avoid jargon is to simplify your language as much as possible. This does not mean dumbing down your content or losing accuracy, but rather choosing words and expressions that are clear, concise, and common. You can use analogies, metaphors, examples, and stories to explain complex or abstract concepts in a relatable and memorable way. You can also use visuals, such as diagrams, charts, images, and videos, to support your verbal explanations and make your presentation more appealing. Avoid using long sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary modifiers. Use simple and direct sentences, active voice, and concrete nouns and verbs.

3 Define and explain

The third step to avoid jargon is to define and explain any technical terms or acronyms that you have to use. Sometimes, you may need to use some jargon to be precise or consistent with your field or topic. In that case, you should always provide a definition or explanation for your audience, preferably in simple and plain language. You can also use examples or analogies to illustrate your definition or explanation. For example, if you have to use the term "API", you can define it as "a set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate with each other" and give an example of how it works in a specific context.

4 Check for understanding

The fourth step to avoid jargon is to check for understanding throughout your presentation. You can use various techniques to gauge how well your audience is following and comprehending your information. You can ask questions, invite feedback, conduct polls, or use quizzes. You can also observe their body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. If you notice signs of confusion, boredom, or disengagement, you can adjust your pace, tone, or content accordingly. You can also repeat, summarize, or rephrase your key points to reinforce your message and clarify any doubts.

5 Practice and review

The fifth step to avoid jargon is to practice and review your presentation before you deliver it. You can practice your presentation out loud, preferably in front of a mirror, a recorder, or a friend. You can also ask for feedback from someone who is not familiar with your topic or field. This will help you identify any jargon, unclear expressions, or confusing points that you may have overlooked. You can also review your presentation slides, notes, or script and look for ways to simplify, clarify, or eliminate any jargon. You can use tools such as the Hemingway app or the Plain Language Checklist to help you improve your writing.