Examples Should Clarify, Not Entertain

The example is clear when it fits the work and the decision.

The best examples in a technical presentation help a decision body see the issue more clearly. Presenters often try something catchy or familiar instead of something directly relevant. The example entertains but does not inform. Even worse, a poor example can damage credibility with decision makers who notice the mismatch.

Examples Should Be Relevant to the Work

Effective examples come from the same area as the problem. Use an example from a water system if the decision involves reliability or lifecycle costs in a water system. Likewise, a pump or a short section of pipe can illustrate failure modes and maintenance tradeoffs without distorting reality.

Examples borrowed from sports or popular movies force the decision maker to translate. Some meaning is lost in that translation. Others may not share the reference at all, especially across generations or for those whose first language is not English. These examples add noise instead of removing it.

A good example also scales. A single pump can represent a pumping station. A single valve can represent a network of valves. Decision makers can follow the logic from the simple case to the real application.

Align the Example to the Decision

The example needs to reinforce the decision being made. A risk decision needs an example with distinct consequences. A cost decision needs an example where the lifecycle tradeoffs are visible.

Test each example before the presentation. Ask whether it explains the problem or simply makes the presentation more interesting. Replace it if it only does the second. One well-chosen example is worth more than several clever ones.

The Tip: Clarity Comes from Fit

Use examples that clarify the problem. The example is clear when it fits the work and the decision. When it’s a mismatch, it produces noise and the audience stops listening.

The N in FINESSE stands for Noise reduction.

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See a more in-depth article on Substack: Solomon, J. D. (2026, August 26). Choosing the right example to clarify your complex presentation. Communicating with FINESSE. https://communicatingwithfinesse.substack.com/p/choosing-the-right-example-why-decision?r=1g8fml

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JD Solomon is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.