Knowing the clients learning style/knowledge base. By the point of getting into the complexities of any project I have spent time with the client building rapport, instilling confidence, and really digging in on my end to understand both what the client knows from experience, and how they learn. With this information I can really get into details of a project and help the client understand what is being conveyed the way that they learn and can internalize the information. Generic or broad stroke information leads to more questions being unanswered and time wasted that could be spent on other aspects of the project. Its serving the client and the return on it serves the project and myself/team.
Let's take a real scenario from a time when we collaborated with an architect startup facing the challenge of simplifying complex concepts for their clients. The startup was tasked with designing a multi-use residential complex and needed to effectively communicate their vision to a group of non-technical stakeholders. To tackle this, they employed a strategy called "modular explanation." First, they broke down the entire project into key components—like sustainability features, community spaces, and private living areas. Each component was discussed in separate, focused sessions using physical models and digital simulations that highlighted how each piece contributed to the larger whole. For instance, they explained the energy efficiency of the building through a simple interactive model that showed how different types of insulation and window placements could affect heating costs and comfort. This approach not only made the technical aspects more digestible but also allowed stakeholders to see how their feedback could be integrated into each part of the project. By the end of the process, the stakeholders had a clear understanding of the architectural strategies and felt more connected to the project, which improved their overall satisfaction and trust in the startup. This method proved to be a game-changer in client communication, turning complex architectural concepts into clear and manageable discussions.
Use an analogy with which the audience is familiar. If you cannot, perhaps YOU do not fully grasp the concepts. For example, Authentication and access concepts can use the analogy of the plane ticket. Your ticket gets you through security (authentication). However, you only have access to a specific plane/fight. Even there, you have different 'rights' than the pilot or the flight crew. And you have 'rights' (access to s specific seat. It is the same once you log into your (or the cloud) network. You only have access to specific applications and data. The ticket analogy simplifies the concepts of authentication and authorization.