Engineering Jargon Simplification Techniques

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 Engineers use three words where one works. Managers hide behind passive voice. Everyone picks complicated words to sound authoritative. Orwell saw this in 1946. His 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 still work: 𝟭. 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀. If you've read it a hundred times, skip it. "Move the needle" and "low-hanging fruit" mean nothing now. 𝟮. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀. "Use" beats "utilize." "End" beats "terminate." Short words are faster to read and harder to misunderstand. 𝟯. 𝗖𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆. If removing a word doesn't change meaning, remove it. Most first drafts carry 30% filler. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲. "We deployed the service" is stronger than "The service was deployed." Active voice shows who did what. 𝟱. 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻. Unless you're writing for specialists in your exact domain, use everyday words. "Fix" works better than "remediate." 𝟲. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀. Sometimes passive voice works. Sometimes you need technical precision. The goal is clarity, not dogma. Before you ship any writing, ask Orwell's 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: - What am I trying to say? - What words express it? - What image makes it clearer? - Is this image fresh? - Could I say it shorter? - Have I written anything ugly? These questions force you to think. Most bad writing comes from not thinking hard enough about what you're communicating These rules work everywhere: PR documents, architecture docs, incident reports, code reviews, team updates My workflow: Draft fast → cut 20% → swap passive to active → replace jargon → read aloud once Clear writing gets things done faster with less confusion

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁. There are FAR too many people who make things sound complicated just to look smart. “Multi-modal LLMs,” “vectorized embeddings,” “RAG pipelines,” “agentic workflows.” Big words. Vague diagrams. Endless jargon. Not to clarify, but to 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦. Not to teach, but to 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴. But here’s the truth: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲. 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀. I became a better engineer by teaching non-engineers. By breaking down complex ideas so anyone could understand them. That’s when I realized true intelligence isn’t about sounding smart. It’s about making others smarter. I started explaining data structures with Oreos, showing merge sort using Skittles, and visualizing tech roles with juice in a flask. And you know what? People 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘵. And I did too, on a much deeper level. If you can explain something to a 12-year-old, your PM, or even your mom... You don’t just know it. You’ve truly mastered it. Gordon Ramsay isn’t just a great chef; he’s a master because he teaches others to cook like him. For engineers, the secret is • Clear communication • Sharp analogies • Real empathy for your audience These skills don’t make you less technical. They make you unstoppable. Because real engineers don’t flex with fancy words. They teach with clarity and build with impact. ♻️ Repost to help teach, not flex.

There’s a simple secret to making complex ideas instantly understandable. It’s not in the details, it’s in the metaphors They can make even the most complex ideas, like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), way easier to understand and relate to. Here’s how you can break things down with powerful analogies: 1. Know who you’re talking to - For homeowners, focus on things that matter to them—like saving money on energy bills and becoming more energy-independent. - For energy pros, dive deeper into the tech, explaining how VPPs integrate things like solar panels and batteries to keep the grid stable. 2. Use analogies A great metaphor can simplify a tough concept without making it sound too basic. For example: "A VPP is like a conductor leading an orchestra. Each instrument (think solar panels, batteries, smart appliances) plays its part, and the conductor (that’s the VPP software) makes sure everything comes together to provide a steady, reliable energy supply." 3. Break it down step by step and make things easy to follow For example, here’s how a VPP works: - Aggregation: You connect individual resources like rooftop solar panels and home batteries to a central system. - Management: VPP software keeps an eye on everything in real time. - Dispatch: During peak demand, the VPP sends energy from storage to the grid to keep things running smoothly. - Compensation: Participants earn rewards, like lower energy costs or rebates, for contributing. 4. Simplify the language Avoid the jargon! Use everyday language so anyone can understand. For instance, instead of “demand response,” say "adjusting your energy use during peak times to help out the grid." 5. Use visuals Infographics or diagrams are your best friend. Example: Imagine a home with solar panels and a battery, all connected to a VPP system, which then interacts with the larger energy grid. 6. Tell a relatable story People love stories, and they can help illustrate how VPPs work in real life. For example: "In a neighborhood with solar panels and batteries, the VPP makes sure that during a heatwave, when everyone’s cranking up the AC, the homes stay powered without overloading the grid. Not only do residents save on their energy bills, but they also help make the energy system more reliable." 7. Highlight the benefits Make it clear why this matters. "By getting involved in a VPP, homeowners can lower their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy grid." 8. Be empathetic People worry about the details, so address those concerns upfront. "You might be thinking, 'This sounds complicated,' but don’t worry. Joining a VPP is pretty straightforward, and a lot of programs offer help along the way." Metaphors can truly transform how we communicate and make even complex topics feel a lot more accessible. So, the next time you need to explain something, give it a shot. What’s the best Climate metaphor you’ve heard of?

𝐉 - 𝐉𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 "Stakeholder synergy for sustainable development goals implementation..." "Wetin dat one mean?" Mama Yeside asked at the town hall. Truth moment: Jargon is where communication goes to die. One key point about clarity: Using simple words isn't dumbing down. It's opening up. Many brilliant policies fail because they are not understood. Here is the JARGON Jail Break: 𝐉 - 𝐉𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 Every acronym. Every insider word. Every assumption. SDG, KPI, M&E - jail them all. 𝐀 - 𝐀𝐬𝐤 "𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝?" If she needs Google, you need a rewrite. Your grandmother is your clarity meter. 𝐑 - 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 "Capacity building" → "Teaching new skills" "Stakeholder engagement" → "Talking with people" "Implementation framework" → "How we'll do it" 𝐆 - 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 Don't define. Demonstrate. Not "GDP means..." But "Like how much the whole country earns" 𝐎 - 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 Abstract kills understanding. Concrete creates connection. "Economic empowerment" → "More money in your pocket from your business" 𝐍 - 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 What's obvious to you is Greek to them. Every field has its blindness. Check yours. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝: ❌ Acronyms without explanation ❌ Technical terms as shortcuts ❌ Industry insider language ❌ Complexity as credibility ❌ Big words for small ideas 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐭: 1. List your common jargon 2. Find everyday alternatives 3. Test on someone outside your field 4. Use examples instead of definitions 5. When in doubt, simplify 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: During COVID: "Social distancing protocols" confused everyone. "Stay one cow apart" - everyone understood. One cow. Not six feet. Not 1.8 meters. One cow. Simple saved lives. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐀𝐩𝐩 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐧: Would they forward it saying "I don't understand this thing o" or "This makes sense"? Your words decide. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞: Clarity is kindness. Jargon is arrogance dressed as expertise. The smartest person in the room makes everyone else feel smart too. 𝐏𝐒: What's the worst jargon you've heard that made you tune out completely? Share below - let's build a jargon jail together! #AtoZofStrategicCommunication #CommswithFA

Most engineers don’t struggle with ideas—they struggle with explaining them clearly. That was me too. I used to lead with specs, data, and jargon—thinking that would impress. But it just confused people. Worse? It didn’t drive action. Here are 3 communication shifts that changed everything for me: ✅ 1. Don’t lead with specs—lead with stakes. Instead of starting with technical details, start with why it matters. What’s at risk? - Production Line is down and we lose $100K every day the system is down. What’s the impact?  It isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a revenue problem For example: "This system cuts test time by 40%, saving your team over 10 hours a week, making time-to-market faster." That’s a better explanation to your manager than: "We’re using a PXIe chassis with 24-bit resolution modules." ✅ 2. Use analogies people can relate to. Analogies make complex ideas click. Once, I explained thermal drift like this: “It’s like a cup of coffee—it starts hot but gradually loses heat. Sensors behave the same if not stabilized.” Suddenly, everyone got it. Simple. Memorable. ✅ 3. Tie your insight to something bigger. Don’t stop at explaining how something works. Explain how it: ⏱ Saves time ⚠️ Reduces risk 📈 Drives business growth Leaders aren’t just looking for features—they want outcomes. 🎯 Since adopting these habits, my customers had better conversations with their leadership, stronger proposals, and bigger impact. Bonus Tip: KISS Keep it Super Simple, use simple words and never use overly technical terms. I help engineers build better test systems—and communicate their value with confidence. 💬 What’s helped you communicate better? Let’s grow together. #EngineeringLeadership #CommunicationSkills #TechToTalk #TestAndMeasurement #LabVIEW #SalesForEngineers #BraemacNZ #NI #LeadershipDevelopment

I’ve struggled with bridging the gap between technical concepts and non-technical stakeholders, but this approach unlocked clarity and action: (And it’s not just about dumbing things down.) → Simplification with Purpose. Here’s how to apply this to communicating technical ideas effectively: 1️⃣ Use Analogies They Understand Technical concepts often feel abstract. Analogies help bridge the gap. For example: "The cloud is like renting a storage unit. You don’t need to own the building or worry about maintaining it, but you can store your things there and access them whenever you need." 2️⃣ Avoid Jargon—Use Everyday Language Too much technical language alienates your audience. Simplify without oversimplifying. "Instead of saying 'We need to refactor the codebase to ensure scalability,' say: 'We’re making sure the software can handle more customers as we grow.'" 3️⃣ Focus on Why It Matters, Not How It Works Stakeholders care about the results, not the technical journey. "We’re implementing this new security feature to make sure your customer data stays protected, which ultimately builds trust and reduces risk." 4️⃣ Use Visuals to Break Things Down Visual aids make complexity easier to handle. A simple flowchart, for instance, can illustrate how a data pipeline works far better than words alone. 5️⃣ Relate it to Their Goals Connect technical efforts to business outcomes. "We’re upgrading the database infrastructure so you can access customer insights faster. This will help improve decision-making and speed up time-to-market for new features." This approach taught me more than any traditional technical communication strategy. Master these techniques, and you’ll become the go-to person who simplifies complexity and inspires action 🚀

STOP USING BUZZWORDS, START SPEAKING ENGLISH If you can’t explain a concept in plain English or better yet, in a single sentence you probably don’t understand it yet. I’ve sat in too many meetings where everyone nods along at terms no one actually understands. Or, even worse, everyone THINKS they understand, but they all have a completely different definition and then wonder why the conversation is going nowhere. “Cross-screen convergence” "Holistic measurement framework" "Cloud native measurement stacks" Say enough buzzwords in a row ("Leveraging AI-powered DCO to drive scalable creative versioning across omnichannel touchpoints.") and people stop asking questions. But that’s the moment you should lean in. The best strategists aren’t fluent in jargon. They’re fluent in translation. Here’s what’s worked for me and why TVREV is known for our ability to express complex thoughts in plain English without dumbing it down. 1️⃣ Swap buzzwords for metaphors. “buy this thing now" vs "think good thoughts about us” beats “performance vs brand.” 2️⃣ Ask, “How would you explain this to your grandmother?” 3️⃣ When in doubt: simplify, then simplify again. If you want to be taken seriously, stop trying to sound smart. Start trying to be understood. 🤪

The best presenters you've ever seen have one major thing in common. They removed everything that got in the way. I've worked with dozens of tech leaders on their presentations over the past few years. Founders pitching investors, CTOs presenting to boards, engineering leads running meetings. Every single one of them came to me with slides that were too complicated. They knew their subject so deeply that they forgot what it feels like to hear it for the first time. This is SUCH a common trap. You build something complex, you live inside the complexity, and then you present the complexity instead of the outcome. I've never seen a presentation I couldn't simplify. Not once. Every deck, every script, every keynote, there is always a clearer version waiting underneath the jargon. Here's what I tell every client: your audience doesn't need to understand how you got there, they need to understand what it means for them. For example: a CTO was explaining a platform migration using language only her engineering team would follow. She was presenting to the C-suite. We rewrote every slide around one question: "What changes for the business?" When your aim is to inform and convince every person in attendance, simplicity is your most powerful tool. Why would you make it harder for people to agree with you? Overcomplicating how you communicate doesn't signal expertise. It signals that you haven't done the hard work of distilling your thinking. Clarity always wins. If you can't explain your point in a sentence that anyone could instantly understand, pause. Figure out what you're actually trying to say first. Then say that. 💬 What's the worst jargon-filled sentence you've heard in a meeting? Drop it below. 🔁 Share this with someone who needs to hear it before their next presentation. 🔔 Follow Will Bremridge for more on communication as a high-performance skill.

Why Every Engineer Needs to Master the Art of Communication (If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough) As engineers, we spend years mastering technical skills—coding, system design, algorithms. But there’s one skill that many overlook: Communication. Here’s the hard truth: If you can’t explain it simply, you probably don’t understand it well enough. Early in my career, I focused entirely on technical mastery. I thought my work would speak for itself. But I soon realized that no matter how well I coded or designed a solution, if I couldn't clearly explain my ideas, they wouldn’t go anywhere. Here’s why communication is crucial for engineers: 1. Collaboration with Non-Technical Stakeholders You might be the best at building scalable systems, but if you can’t communicate the "why" and "how" to a product manager or executive, your work can be undervalued. They need to understand the impact, not the intricacies. 2. Gaining Buy-In for Your Ideas Great ideas fail when they aren’t understood. Whether you're pitching a new feature to your team or presenting at a tech review, clarity can make or break your case. 3. Teaching and Mentoring An engineer who can explain concepts simply can become an effective mentor. Teaching others solidifies your understanding and elevates your entire team’s capabilities. The goal is not to use the biggest words or the most jargon. The goal is to break down complex concepts in a way that anyone—even someone without your technical background—can understand. How to Master This Skill? 1. Practice the Feynman Technique: Try explaining a complex idea to a friend who knows nothing about it. If they understand, you’ve nailed it. 2. Ask for Feedback: After a presentation or meeting, ask if everyone understood. Actively look for ways to improve your clarity. 3. Simplify, Don’t Dumb Down: Use analogies, visual examples, and simple language to convey complex ideas. Engineering is about building things. But great engineering? That’s about building understanding. Your turn: How do you work on improving your communication skills as an engineer? Follow me for insights on Leadership, System Design, & Career Growth.