How can you present complex ideas as a thought leader?

The two hardest people to explain complex things to are my elderly mother (78 years old) and my young daughter (12 years old) For each of them, I use analogies that they can relate to. With my mom, if I am talking about something like cultural appropriation, I used metaphors within our South Asian culture. With my daughter, I use examples around things she can grasp like her friend dynamics, musical theatre, and personal stories. For each audience, you need to create the right analogy and metaphor by knowing them best.

Modular Approach. - Works 100% ! Recently, I had an intriguing conversation with a client who was overwhelmed with the magnitude of their digital transformation project. They were looking at it as one vast entity, struggling to envision the end result and gauge the progression. Drawing inspiration from my passion for Lego (yes, the childhood toy!), I decided to employ a modular approach to break down this colossal project. Think of a complex Lego structure - while it's astounding as a complete piece, it’s built brick by brick, each segment crucial to the final masterpiece. Similarly, if we cand put a threshold to the communication at the brick stage while building the blocks are taking shape; it is easy to drive the complex ideas at ease.

I have found that one of the easiest ways to convey complex thoughts is by using models. Models provide a way for you to help your audience visualize your concepts, which makes it easier for them to relate to their world. When using models, think about triangles, circles, and squares. You can use them alone or together. For example, a Venn diagram uses three circles and can convey a lot of information. A triangle can show progression and a square can be used to break concepts into quadrants, like the Eisnehower Matrix.

Storytelling has been my greatest asset to convey complex ideas and gain trust as a thought leader. The authenticity and vulnerability of storytelling makes it easier to relate and personalize the connection. The lessons drawn are easier to remember with greater accuracy. Finally by humanizing the experience and creating relatability, you create greater trust in the message and are more willing to act.

Imagine you're guiding a group of penguin astronauts through a disco dance-off in outer space. Your goal is to explain quantum physics using only interpretive dance moves and bubblegum bubbles. In other words, turn those brain-busting concepts into a delightful interpretive dance that even your penguin pals would follow with excitement!