The Art of Explaining: How to Make Anyone Understand Anything (Even Complex Stuff)

Have you ever been really excited to share an idea, only to watch the other person's face go completely blank?

Or tried to explain something you understand perfectly, but somehow it comes out as confusing word soup?

Here's the brutal truth: Being good at something and being good at EXPLAINING something are totally different skills.

But here's the great news: Explaining well isn't about being naturally gifted. It's about using the right techniques-and most people have never learned them.

The "Curse of Knowledge" (Why Explaining Is So Hard)

Once you know something, you literally can't remember what it was like to NOT know it.

Example: You can ride a bike. Now try explaining to someone how to balance. It's weirdly hard because balancing feels "automatic" to you now.

This is why experts are often terrible teachers. They skip steps that seem "obvious" but aren't obvious to beginners.

The solution: Visual explanations force you to break things down step-by-step in a way anyone can follow.

The "Explain It to a 10-Year-Old" Test

If you can explain something to a 10-year-old, you can explain it to anyone.

Why this works:

• Forces simple language
• Requires clear examples
• No jargon allowed
• Visual aids become essential

Try this: Explain your job to an imaginary 10-year-old. If you can do it in one paragraph with a simple diagram, you've mastered your explanation.

Real Story: The Client Meeting That Changed My Career

Early in my career, I had to explain a technical solution to non-technical clients.

First attempt: Technical accuracy, industry terms, detailed specifications.
Result: Confused faces, lots of "can you clarify?" questions, no sale.

Second meeting with different client: I brought one simple flowchart showing:

• Their problem (visually)
• Our solution (the middle)
• Their desired outcome (the result)

Result: "Oh! Now I get it!" Signed the contract that day.

Same solution. Different explanation method. Totally different outcome.

The Visual Explanation Framework

For any complex topic, create this three-part visual structure:

Part 1: The Big Picture

One sentence + one simple visual showing:

• What is this thing?
• Why does it matter?

Example: Explaining Blockchain "It's like a notebook that everyone can read, but nobody can erase or change what's already written." [Visual: Notebook with multiple people looking at it, but pen is locked]

Part 2: The Key Components

Visual breakdown showing:

• The main parts
• How they relate
• Why each matters

Example: Blockchain Components [Visual diagram showing blocks connected in a chain, with labels: "Each block = group of transactions", "Chain = secured by math", "Distributed = many copies"]

Part 3: The Practical Example

Real-world scenario showing:

• How it works in practice
• The benefit in action

Example: Blockchain in Action [Visual flowchart: Send money → Creates transaction → Added to block → Verified by network → Permanently recorded]

The "Analogy + Visual" Power Combo

Analogies make unfamiliar things familiar.
Visuals make abstract things concrete.
Together? Unstoppable.

Example: Explaining How Vaccines Work

Analogy: "Your immune system is like a security guard. Vaccines are like showing the guard a 'wanted poster' so they recognize the bad guy next time."

Visual:

[Drawing: Security guard at door]
  ↓
[Vaccine = Wanted poster with "Bad Virus" picture]
  ↓
[Next time bad guy shows up...]
  ↓
[Guard recognizes and stops them immediately!]

Now even a child understands vaccines!

The "Zoom Levels" Technique

Different audiences need different levels of detail. Use visuals to show all levels:

Level 1 (30-second version): One-sentence summary + simple icon Level 2 (5-minute version): Main concept + 3-4 key points visually Level 3 (Deep dive): Detailed diagram with all the nuances

Example: Explaining How a Car Engine Works

Level 1: "Explosions push pistons that turn wheels."
[Visual: ⚡ → ⊕ → 🚗]

Level 2: Basic 4-stroke cycle diagram

Level 3: Detailed engine schematic with all components labeled

Pro tip: Start with Level 1. If they want more, go to Level 2. Rarely does anyone need Level 3 right away.

Explaining to Different Personality Types

The "Just Give Me the Bottom Line" Person

• Lead with the conclusion
• Use a simple visual showing end result
• Details only if they ask

Visual type: Executive summary diagram with outcome highlighted

The "I Need All the Details" Person

• Comprehensive flowchart or diagram
• Show every step
• Label everything clearly

Visual type: Detailed process map or system diagram

The "Show Me How This Affects Me" Person

• Personal impact focus
• Before/after comparison
• Benefit visualization

Visual type: Comparison diagram or timeline showing their journey

The "I'm Skeptical" Person

• Data and evidence visually
• Comparison charts
• Proof points and examples

Visual type: Comparison tables, data visualizations, case study timelines

The "Progressive Disclosure" Method

Don't dump everything at once. Reveal information in stages:

Stage 1: Show the overview visual
Stage 2: "Let me zoom into this section..."
Stage 3: "And here's how this specific part works..."

Why this works: People can only process so much at once. Layering information prevents overwhelm.

Example: Explaining a Company Reorganization

Visual 1: Simple org chart showing new high-level structure
Visual 2: Zoom into one department
Visual 3: Show how specific roles change

Explaining Technical Stuff to Non-Technical People

Golden rules:

1. No jargon (or define it immediately with visuals)
2. Use metaphors from their world
3. Show, don't tell with diagrams
4. Focus on "what" and "why," not "how"

Example: Explaining Cloud Computing to Your Parents

Bad: "It's distributed computing with redundant storage across multiple geographic regions..."

Good: "Instead of saving photos on your computer, you save them on the internet. Like storing stuff at a storage facility instead of your house. You can access it from anywhere, and if your computer breaks, your photos are still safe."

Visual: [Drawing of house vs. storage facility with items, showing access from multiple devices]

The "Common Mistakes" Warning Visual

When explaining how to do something, always include a visual showing:

• ✓ Right way
• ✗ Common mistakes

Why: People remember warnings! Plus, showing what NOT to do clarifies what TO do.

Example: Explaining How to Lift Heavy Objects

[Split visual] ❌ DON'T: Bend at waist, keep legs straight
✓ DO: Bend knees, straight back, lift with legs

Explaining Across Cultures and Languages

Visual explanations transcend language barriers!

When explaining to someone who speaks a different language:

• Use universal symbols (arrows, checkmarks, X's)
• Number your steps clearly
• Use photos or realistic drawings, not text
• Show sequence visually

Example: IKEA instructions work worldwide because they're visual, not written!

The "Story Arc" Explanation Method

People are wired for stories. Structure your explanation like one:

1. Setup: Here's the situation/problem
2. Complication: Here's what makes it challenging
3. Resolution: Here's the solution
4. Outcome: Here's what happens next

Visual each stage: Use a simple 4-panel comic strip style diagram

Example: Explaining Why We Need a New Software System

Panel 1: [Old system breaking down, errors piling up]
Panel 2: [Team spending 10+ hours fixing issues]
Panel 3: [New system implementation]
Panel 4: [Smooth operations, time saved for actual work]

Real-World Explanation Challenges

Explaining a Complex Process

Best visual: Flowchart with decision points clearly marked

Explaining a Big Change

Best visual: Before/after comparison diagram + timeline

Explaining Why Something Failed

Best visual: Cause-and-effect diagram (fishbone)

Explaining Multiple Options

Best visual: Comparison table or decision tree

Explaining How Things Connect

Best visual: Network diagram or mind map

The "Explain Back" Verification Method

After explaining something visually:

Ask: "Can you explain back to me what you understood?"

Watch: Do they reference parts of your visual? That means it worked!

Bonus: Their explanation tells you what parts need clarification.

When Verbal Explanation Isn't Enough

Some things are nearly impossible to explain with words alone:

• How to tie a tie
• Dance moves
• Athletic techniques
• Equipment assembly
• Spatial relationships

Solution: Visual step-by-step with:

• Numbered sequence
• Photos or drawings
• Arrows showing movement/direction
• "You are here" indicators

The "Teachable Moment" Preparation

Keep simple visual templates ready for common explanations:

At work:

• How our process works (flowchart template)
• Org structure (chart template)
• Project timelines (Gantt template)

At home:

• Chore instructions for kids (picture checklist)
• Recipe modifications (annotated recipe)
• Home system explanations (labeled diagrams)

When someone asks "how does this work?", you're ready with a clear visual explanation!

The Power of "I'll Draw It"

In meetings, conversations, or teaching moments:

Magic words: "Let me draw this out..."

Then:

1. Grab whiteboard/paper/napkin
2. Sketch as you explain
3. Point to parts as you talk
4. Let them ask questions referencing the visual

Result: Understanding happens WAY faster.

Explaining to Kids (The Ultimate Test)

If you can explain something to a 6-year-old, you've truly mastered it:

Techniques for kids:

• Very simple visuals (basically stick figures)
• Bright colors
• Relatable analogies from their world
• Interactive elements ("point to the part that...")

Example: Explaining Why We Recycle

[Drawing: Earth with sad face, surrounded by trash]
"Earth is like our home. When we recycle [draw recycling symbol], we clean up and use things again!"
[Drawing: Earth with happy face, clean surroundings]

Your "Explain Something" Challenge

Pick something you know well that others find confusing:

• Your job
• A hobby
• How something works
• A process at work
• A complex topic

Create a simple visual explanation using:

• One overview diagram
• Simple shapes and arrows
• An analogy or metaphor
• Clear labels

Test it on someone. Watch their face go from "huh?" to "oh!" in real-time.

That feeling? That's the power of visual explanation.

Ready to create clear visual explanations for anything? Use AutoDiagram to turn your ideas into professional diagrams that anyone can understand → Start Explaining Better

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Quick FAQ

Q: What if I'm explaining something that's not naturally visual?
A: Everything can be visualized! Even abstract concepts can use metaphors, analogies, and conceptual diagrams.

Q: How do I know if my visual explanation is clear?
A: Test it! Show it to someone who doesn't know the topic. If they get it, you succeeded.

Q: Should I always use visuals when explaining?
A: For anything complex or unfamiliar to your audience-absolutely yes!