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You're facing a room full of non-tech executives. How do you simplify complex programming concepts for them?

When explaining programming to non-tech executives, use relatable terms. Here's how to bridge the gap:

  • Use everyday analogies: Compare complex concepts to familiar real-world scenarios.

  • Avoid technical jargon: Keep explanations free of developer-specific language.

  • Focus on outcomes: Highlight how coding decisions impact business results.

What strategies have worked for you when communicating technical details to a non-technical audience?

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You're facing a room full of non-tech executives. How do you simplify complex programming concepts for them?

When explaining programming to non-tech executives, use relatable terms. Here's how to bridge the gap:

  • Use everyday analogies: Compare complex concepts to familiar real-world scenarios.

  • Avoid technical jargon: Keep explanations free of developer-specific language.

  • Focus on outcomes: Highlight how coding decisions impact business results.

What strategies have worked for you when communicating technical details to a non-technical audience?

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    Herik Lima

    Senior C++ Software Engineer | Algorithmic Trading Developer | Market Data | Exchange Connectivity | Trading Firm | High-Frequency Trading | HFT | HPC | FIX Protocol | Automation

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    Use analogies and real-world examples that align with their business experience. For instance, compare code structure to an organizational chart or a project management workflow. Focus on outcomes, like how the code improves efficiency or solves business problems. Keep technical jargon minimal and explain how the technology benefits their objectives.

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    Timothy Hurd

    Senior Software Engineer | Senior Full Stack Web Developer | API Developer | Meta Certified Front-End Developer | IBM Certified AI Developer | PHP Developer | Tech Blogger

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    Everyday analogies are your best friend in situations like this. The better you can boil down complexity and package it into a great analogy that gets the point across (and not so simple it makes them feel like they are five years old) the better you are going to find non-tech executives understanding the situation and easier to work with. Mix this with the simple speak and non-technical jargon and you will be well on your way to giving great presentations and getting plenty of buy-in. Even if they don't always understand the micro-details.

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    Shubrashankh Chatterjee

    Building scalable AI systems| Ex-JP Morgan| Ex-Amex| Startmate S25 Coach|Data Scientist|Machine Learning Engineer

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    If you think of Programming as fundamentally about creating intelligent communication pathways between different business functions you are better placed to address this room. Think of an organization like a complex ecosystem where various departments - marketing, sales, operations, finance - need to seamlessly exchange information and insights. Once you have this higher level view of business try and relate any technical concept to this framework and you should be fine.

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    Gabriel Vieira

    Software Engineer | Software Architect | Software Modernization and High Performance | Low-code and No-code | Distributed Software

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    To communicate technical details to non-tech executives, anchor explanations in business goals and focus on outcomes like cost savings, efficiency, or growth. Use relatable analogies, such as comparing an API to a waiter or a database to a filing cabinet, to make complex ideas familiar. Avoid jargon by replacing terms like "latency" with "speed" or "scalability" with "growth potential." Visual aids like diagrams or case studies help illustrate abstract concepts. Tell stories to frame challenges, solutions, and results, and encourage questions to ensure clarity. Tailor your message to their priorities—e.g., ROI for a CFO or operational impact for a COO—building trust and engagement.

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