5 ideas for using AI wisely

Who hasn't been in a situation where the speaker uses so many foreign words and complicated terms that you end up feeling like a parched lemon because your brain has been working so hard all the time. And that's only because we've been translating in our minds what the interlocutor is trying to say. 

If you want to be both heard and understood, everything has to be in balance. You don't have to stoop to the level of colloquialism, but a scientific paper will not be the best option either, unless it really is a specific scientific paper. 

The same applies to communication via email, social networks and any other communication channel. There is even a saying that if someone cannot explain a complex matter in simple terms, they probably do not really understand it themselves. So here are some tips on how to communicate complex things in a basic way.

Use foreign words that many people know

We cannot avoid foreign words completely. If only because the Latvian language has no Latvian word for many things. The key here is moderation. There are a lot of foreign words that we use a lot in everyday life. They are easy, understandable to many and cannot cause confusion. If unpopular terms are used, it would be preferable to explain them immediately. Otherwise, what you say may be misinterpreted. And remember: don't use foreign words that you don't really know the meaning of. It will make you sound not smarter, but... a bit lost.

Make light indents in the text

Conversation is not always easy. Sometimes you have to talk about really difficult things, where it's clear to everyone - your brain will melt. What to do? You can try to cool your mind with a few light but meaningful digressions. Weave into the text some everyday examples from life that everyone understands. If the topic allows, you can also joke. This will relax the tension. 

Adapt to your interlocutors

You look at the audience and all you see is confusion, blank eyes and boredom on their faces. If anyone else starts yawning demonstratively... then it's high time to act. Change your strategy. Depending on the age of the audience or their profession, for example, make your speech more engaging with activities. Try to put complex issues into simple words. 

Build communication on solid foundations

Never fill your say with complicated things. Let the listener or reader warm up. Lay a good foundation and slowly build up the complexity. Before you go on to explain something in detail, make sure everyone understands why what you have to say is important. The more complex the sentence structure, the harder it is to understand.

Use visual effects

Any topic is easier to understand if some visual effects are used. Photographs, videos, infographics and other visual aids make a big difference to the perception of information. Think of different ways to keep the audience's attention. 

May we always manage both to explain the complicated and to understand each other!