How to Help People Understand You
"Do you come out of meetings or conversations with people and feel that you weren't heard? Do you get a lot of blank stares from people as you are talking with them, as if you are talking in some foreign tongue?...
What are some things you can do to help people to understand you?
Keep things simple - Don't go immediately to the details. Avoid being too technical unless the audience is right. Start with the broad strokes to see if people are following you...
Speak their language...focus on terminology that will peak their interests....
Use forms of communication other than just verbal...
Get constant feedback - Don't be afraid to ask people...what did they get from the conversation?...
Rally some supporters - If you are going to meet with a larger group, determine the key opinion leaders and speak to them individually before the meeting. You can "test" what you plan on talking about and see how they react."
Read more in this Random Thoughts from a CTO post.
