Make complexity click: Communication strategies for technical professionals
Michael J. Madson
Tech Comm and Workplace Training Expert
Clear communication turns expertise into influence
Technical professionals are increasingly expected to communicate across expertise gaps. Engineers explain systems to executives. Data analysts present findings to clients. Researchers communicate with policymakers, journalists, and the public. Yet, most of these technical professionals receive little formal training in how to communicate complex ideas clearly to non-specialists.
This workshop helps technical professionals develop time-tested, practical strategies for translating expertise into understanding without oversimplifying important ideas. Participants will learn how to reduce jargon, structure explanations more effectively, adapt communication to different audiences, communicate uncertainty and risk, and use examples and analogies strategically.
The workshop also addresses emerging challenges in the AI era, where the ability to interpret, contextualize, and explain information has become more valuable, not less.
Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to presentations, reports, meetings, documentation, client interactions, public communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
Workshop agenda
- 12:00PM EDT
Framing the Challenge
Why do experts confuse non-specialists so easily? Explore the hidden barriers that make technical communication fail and why clarity matters more than ever. Includes introduction and workshop goals.
- 12:30PM EDT
Know Your Audience
Learn how to communicate across expertise gaps by identifying what audiences already know, what they need to understand, and what may create confusion or resistance.
- 1:00PM EDT
Explaining Complexity Clearly
Discover practical strategies for reducing jargon, organizing information clearly, and using examples and analogies to make complex ideas easier to understand.
- 1:30PM EDT
Communicating about Risk and Uncertainty
Learn how to explain technical risk, uncertainty, and limitations in ways that build trust, support decision-making, and avoid confusion or false certainty.
- 2:00PM EDT
AI-Assisted Communication
Use ChatGPT and related AI tools to adapt technical communication for different audiences while avoiding oversimplification and misinformation.
- 2:30PM EDT
Building Your Communication Toolkit
Leave with practical communication frameworks, revision strategies, and audience-centered tools you can apply immediately in meetings, reports, and presentations.
Learn directly from Michael
Michael J. Madson
Expert in technical communication, workplace training, and audience engagement
Who this workshop is for
Technical professionals who need to convey complex information to clients, executives, external stakeholders, or cross-functional teams.
Product, UX, and operations professionals translating technical insights into decisions and organizational action.
Managers who need to communicate with public audiences, build alignment across teams, and influence decision-making on technical matters.
What's included
Live sessions
Learn directly from Michael J. Madson in a real-time, interactive format.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
Your purchase is backed by the Maven Guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
$349
USD