Ignorance can be bliss – unless your desperately trying to be informed.

In that case, sifting through piles of information trying to uncover what you don’t understand can easily become frustrating.

Searching for the answer with the mass amount of information available is overwhelming.

However, I think we easily forget about the unpleasant feelings when we communicate our ideas. It’s easy to get lost in how you understand the problem and forget to speak to the needs/pain points of your audience.

Here are three tips to explain complex topics in a simple way.

• Simplify. Of the entire topic you are trying to present stick to explaining 3 things. This is a conscious choice you will need to make to distinguish from trying to explain absolutely everything. Humans can only take on a certain amount of new information at one time.
• Build from what your audience knows. Instead of having to lay the foundation build on the understandings and concepts that are already understood. When you present points that build on what your audience already understands it also builds rapport.
• Clarity beats accuracy. A simple explanation is better than a 100% accurate one.
• Explain why it’s cool. Get your audience excited about why you love the topic and they should too.

In the end, it comes down to the golden rule. Explain information and concepts in a way that you would want information explained to you. Do not forget the feelings of exasperation and frustration experienced when learning new complex concepts when you take the stage.