In the current era, technology is a common household name. It is getting more sophisticated with time as it advances. Many businesses have enjoyed the perks that come with technology. Since the beginning of 2023, many companies have been booming because of ChatGpt. Companies from all industries are incorporating technology into their daily operations.
Unfortunately, many non-technical people struggle to keep up with the technological pace. Many technical jargon and terms used by the industry need to be explained. This has created a gap between technical and technical people. It makes a stumbling block when it comes to businesses communicating effectively with their customers.
When businesses do not communicate correctly, it hinders them from doing business and getting to the right customers. The target audience wants you to speak their language to meet their needs.
There’s a need for clear language to bridge the gap and make it easier for businesses to communicate technical information to non-technical people.
This post will discuss clear language and how businesses can leverage it to communicate clearly to their non-technical audience.
What is a clear language?
Clear language is communicating in the simplest way possible using layman’s language that any audience can understand. It is communicating from a position of assuming your audience does not know anything and giving details so they can understand everything.
Language is essential when communicating technical information to non-technical people for them to understand it. Clear language is characterized by simple words, short sentences, active voice, and direct communication. It is communicating in such a way that people of different levels can understand, whether they have the technical expertise or not.
Clear language makes effective communication easy. Technical jargon is usually replaced with simple, relatable terms. This helps avoid confusion and frustration and increases the business’s credibility.
Tips for Communicating Technical Information to a Non-Technical Audience
Now that we understand the importance of clear language, let’s explore some tips for communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.
Understand your customers
The first step to communicating with your audience is understanding them. Only through understanding them will you know what resonates with them.
Through BuyerMind, we segment customers into different awareness levels. We use five awareness stages, unaware, problem aware, solution aware, product aware, and mostly aware.
Most of the time, customers with the same awareness level have the same concerns. For instance, in the problem-aware stage, they know they have a problem and are actively seeking a solution. When you understand their pain points, it is easy to address them from a point that will give them a solution to their problem. You will also know ways to communicate with them to resonate. This will help you have better response rates and conversions. Pushing them through the funnel will be easier when you resonate with them.
Understanding a customer is not a straight line, but many approaches exist. The first sure step is talking to customers. You will know their issues, concerns, and priorities when you speak to them. This will help you understand their gaps and how to fill them.
Define Technical Terms
Defining any technical terms or jargon you use is essential when communicating technical information. Technical terms can be confusing and intimidating for non-technical audiences. Define these terms in simple, easy-to-understand language your audience can relate to. For example, if you’re talking about cloud computing, you might define it as “storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on your computer’s hard drive.”
When addressing customers, it is essential to note that people in different industries may address the same concept differently. For instance, startups define communication as educating, while corporations define communication as brand positioning. When you talk to your users, you will understand their position, which will help you communicate accordingly.
Avoid Acronyms
Acronyms can be a significant source of confusion for non-technical audiences. If you must use an acronym, define it when introducing it. For example, if you’re talking about a Content Management System (CMS), you might describe it as “a software application that allows users to create, manage, and publish digital content.”
Use Simple Sentences
Keep your sentences short and straightforward. Use simple language that everyone can understand. Avoid complex sentence structures and convoluted phrasing. For example, instead of saying, “The system allows for the aggregation of data from multiple sources, which can then be analyzed and visualized using a variety of tools,” you could say, “The system lets you combine information from different places and then look at it in lots of different ways.”
Use Analogies
Analogies can be a great way to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience. Find relatable comparisons your audience can relate to, and use them to help explain technical ideas. For example, if you’re describing how encryption works, you might say, “Encryption is like a secret code that only the intended recipient can understand.” Just like how you might pass notes in class with a secret code so no one else can read them, encryption keeps your information safe by making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the key.”
Visualise Information
Visual aids, such as infographics or diagrams, can be incredibly helpful in communicating technical information. Use visuals to simplify complex information and make it easier to understand.
Focus on Benefits
When communicating technical information, focus on the benefits that your audience will receive. Please explain how your product or service can solve their problems and make their lives easier. People are selfish and want a solution to their problems. Users receive plenty of communication in a day. It would help if you highlighted what is in for them to get their attention. Many startups make the mistake of focusing on the features and not the benefits. For users, benefits count more than features.
Avoid Jargon
Technical jargon can be confusing and intimidating for non-technical audiences. Use plain language that everyone can understand.
Ask for Feedback
Ask your audience their opinion to ensure they understand the information you’re presenting. Encourage questions and be willing to clarify any confusing points.
Conclusion
Clear language can be a powerful tool for communicating technical information to a non-technical audience. Following these tips ensures your message is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Remember to focus on the benefits of your product or service and use visuals and analogies to simplify complex information. With these tools in your toolkit, you can effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience and ensure they fully understand your offerings’ value.
By using AI tools such as BuyerMind, you can make it much easier for you. It can help you segment users into relevant groups according to awareness. It can help you understand them and use the message that resonates with them. With BuyerMind, you can collect user feedback to help you make decisions.
