Eloquent Explanations

by Russ Olsen

1. Be serious

• it is a focused/conscious activity, not a byproduct of office behaviour

2. You need a Plan

• zoom in/out
• explain through process and context

3. Mind the Gap

• experts know it so well they forget there is anything to know

4. The Clock

• every person can absorb only so much
• make them feel better as they make progress

5. "Show up"

• if you don't care, they don't care

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• explaining is a part of a company culture
• it is a tool to achieve stuff, not an ad hoc activity
• make it clear to yourself what you want to explain
• use questions to provoke, guide, and confirm, comprehension
• documentation is another tool to expand comprehension
• be aware that there is one thing you can't control - will of another person