Explaining things clearly is one of those skills that sounds easy until you’re in the middle of it, watching someone’s face slowly glaze over.
Whether you’re helping a friend, teaching something at work, or just trying to get your point across without confusion, there’s an art to being understood. Here are some simple ways to explain things better and actually help people get what you’re trying to say. After all, we all want to be understood, right?
1. Start by understanding what they already know.
Before you dive into your explanation, it helps to get a feel for what the other person already knows about the topic. Otherwise, you risk talking way over their head or, just as bad, boring them by repeating what they already understand. Asking a quick question like, “How familiar are you with this?” sets you up to tailor what you are saying to meet them where they are. It shows respect for their knowledge and makes it easier to connect the dots without overwhelming them.
2. Focus on one main idea at a time.
It is tempting to throw in every related thought and interesting detail when you’re passionate about something, but too much information at once can make the main point get lost completely. Stick to one core idea at a time. Build your explanation step-by-step so the person you are talking to can actually keep up without feeling like they are being hit with a firehose of facts all at once.
3. Use simple, everyday language.
Jargon and technical terms can make you sound smart, but they usually don’t make you sound clear. Using plain, everyday language helps people absorb what you are saying without needing to mentally translate it first. Simple language doesn’t mean dumbing things down, anyway. It means respecting your listener enough to make your ideas easy to grasp without extra work on their part. It keeps conversations smooth instead of confusing.
4. Paint a mental picture for people.
When you explain something visually—using examples, analogies, or simple stories—it sticks way better than a list of dry facts. People remember images and stories much longer than abstract concepts. Think of it like giving them something to hold onto while you’re walking them through a new idea. Even one good visual or relatable example can make a complicated topic feel instantly clearer and more real.
5. Break big ideas into smaller steps.
If what you’re explaining has a lot of moving parts, break it down into smaller, bite-sized steps. It’s easier for people to follow when they know what stage they are at instead of feeling like they’re lost in a maze. Even saying things like “First,” “Next,” or “Then” helps guide their brain through the process in a way that feels manageable instead of overwhelming. Structure keeps people oriented and confident while they learn.
6. Give real-world examples whenever you can.
Abstract explanations float around without landing anywhere if people can’t connect them to real life. A solid example ties an idea to something familiar and helps it click almost instantly. Even if the example is casual or imperfect, it doesn’t matter. Real-world anchors give people a way to relate to new information emotionally and practically, not just intellectually.
7. Watch their body language, not just their words.
Sometimes people say they’re following you because they don’t want to seem confused, but their body language tells a different story. If you notice glazed eyes, distracted fidgeting, or forced nodding, that is a quiet cue to slow down or reframe. Paying attention to how someone is reacting in real time lets you adjust before confusion builds up too much. It turns explaining into more of a two-way conversation instead of a one-sided speech.
8. Invite questions early, not just at the end.
Waiting until the end to ask if anyone has questions can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if someone already feels a little lost. By inviting questions early and often, you make it clear that curiosity is welcome all the way through. Creating that open atmosphere helps people feel safer admitting they don’t get something, which means they’re way more likely to leave actually understanding what you are trying to explain.
9. Repeat key points without being repetitive.
People often need to hear important ideas more than once for them to really stick, but repeating the exact same sentence over and over can sound condescending or boring fast. Instead, try reinforcing key points by weaving them naturally into different parts of the conversation. A gentle echo of the main idea helps it land deeper without feeling like you’re beating them over the head with it.
10. Check in gently instead of asking, “Do you understand?”
Asking “Do you understand?” puts people on the spot and sometimes makes them say yes even if they are confused, just to avoid feeling embarrassed. A more laid-back check-in feels much safer and more helpful. Try asking things like “Does that make sense so far?” or “Anything you want me to explain differently?” It keeps the door open without putting pressure on them to admit they’re lost.
11. Stay patient, even if you feel frustrated.
When you’re explaining something that feels obvious to you, it’s easy to get impatient if the other person struggles to catch on. Of course, losing patience almost guarantees they’ll shut down or feel stupid. Remember that learning something new always feels messier on the receiving end. Staying calm, curious, and supportive keeps the conversation moving forward, even if it takes a few extra tries to really land.
12. Tailor your examples to what matters to them.
If you are trying to explain something to a friend who loves cooking, frame your examples in terms of recipes or kitchen skills. If they’re into sports, tie it to teamwork or practice drills. People understand new ideas better when they can connect them to things they already love and know well. Personalising your examples a little bit makes even complicated concepts feel a lot more accessible and relatable.
13. Share the “why,” not just the “how.”
People care way more about understanding something if they know why it matters. Explaining just the steps without the bigger picture can make the whole thing feel pointless or boring. Sharing the “why” behind what you are explaining gives it energy and relevance. It makes it feel like part of a story they want to be part of, not just instructions they have to memorise.
14. Remember that explaining is about connecting, not performing.
The goal isn’t to sound impressive or flawless, it’s to connect with the person in front of you and help them actually feel like they get it. Keeping that in mind makes explaining feel way less stressful and way more human. At the end of the day, people don’t remember perfect explanations. They remember how you made them feel—safe, curious, respected, and capable. That’s what real communication is all about.
