I think we’ve all been in a situation where we’re talking to a person and he ends up talking about something that makes our head dizzy. Usually it’s about a topic that is so detailed and technical, such as the how a circuirt board is made, or how plumbing in our houses work, that our head spins.
What do you do if you need to explain a confusing concept to the every day Jack and Jill? So not only will they understand what you are saying, but they will find what you are saying absolutely fascinating?
The Beauty of Metaphors
The beaty of all science, nature, art and all things technical is that every detail can be compared to another more relatable concept.
And the use of using metaphors can help make explaining complex concepts into fun and exciting conversations.
I’m not a software programmer, so I don’t know much about the languages that are used to write software. However I know that some people talk about writing a program, and the types of languages they have to use, and then they go into details that makes my head spin.
When you need to talk about such concepts to people are not familiar with what you are doing, you need to use metaphors to help them understand.
There are many people who are not familiar with computer programming languages. And they may not understand why people want to be a computer programmer, but let’s say you tell people, “Let me try to explain it in these terms.”
“Imagine building a house, you have an image of how the house is supposed to be, and how it’s supposed to look. You have all the tools, and now it has to be built in a specific order or else the house will turn out badly in one way or another. The foundation needs to be built and then another piece and then another. So when it’s all done correctly, a beautiful house has been built, in which some parts people see, and other parts people don’t.
“Computer programming is the same thing. It’s to build this beautiful program that people can use to make their life easier. To be able to find the right way to build this program so that it creates this beautiful house. Every detail is intricate and must be dealt with with great care. Or else like a house, it will crumble or mistakes will be found afterwards. But the goal is to build something that people will love to use and enjoy.”
Simplify
Whether you are are explaining concepts to co workers during a presentation, or you’re on a date with someone who wants to know more about your job then take the time to think about about a metaphor that helps people understand the concept you are trying to convey.
Metaphors are beautiful. They have a way of simplifying what you want to say in a way that makes people feel comfortable and relaxed.
The key is to be able to use a metaphor that is relates to every day living. If you explain a concept and compare it to another confusing concept you’re just going to get the person even more dazed and confused.
How Would You Explain it to a Person in Grade 6?
I want you to imagine that you had to explain the concept to a person in grade 6. Would he or she understand what you’re trying to convey? Would you even use that type of language to begin with? Probably not. You would try to explain to someone in grade 6 in more simplified terms. As we grow older we become more knowledgeable, but we can’t learn everything. Make it easy for people to understand you, the moment you intentionally or unintentionally make someone feel stupid, is the moment you’ve lost them.
And true charisma comes from taking the most complex, and making it beautiful, simple and understandable.
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