AI Evaluation Vocabulary Guide — Essentials Edition

AI teams use specialized terminology that can make important conversations harder to follow. Understanding the language helps you ask better questions, interpret explanations, and work more effectively across technical and business teams.

This essential vocabulary guide introduces the core terms you'll encounter when discussing AI evaluation. It's designed as a practical starting point, not a technical textbook.

Use this guide to:

• Understand common AI evaluation terminology.

• Follow discussions with researchers, engineers, and product teams.

• Ask more informed questions about evaluation results.

• Build confidence when working on AI initiatives.

Who it's for: Program managers, technical project managers, Chiefs of Staff, and business leaders working with AI teams.

How to use it: Read it as an introduction, then keep it nearby as a quick reference during meetings and project reviews.

You don't need to know every technical detail. You need enough shared vocabulary to understand the conversation and help move the work forward.

Better questions. Smarter decisions.