Simple Explanations Demonstrate an Understanding of Complex Problems

The real test of understanding is whether you can translate complexity into something people can grasp.

Albert Einstein famously said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” The quote gets repeated so often that it risks becoming background noise. Yet in the world of technical work, where complexity is the norm and clarity is often in short supply, the message is worth revisiting.

The Pushback Against Simplicity

Many professionals argue that some topics are inherently complicated, that audiences vary widely in their technical depth, or that certain problems resist being boiled down. All of that may be true. However, complexity is often used as a shield. Sometimes we hide behind jargon because we haven’t taken the time to fully understand the issue ourselves. To counter this, try simplifying your communication through actionable strategies.

Using analogies can bridge knowledge gaps by linking new information to familiar concepts. Focusing on the outcomes can also help distill complex ideas into relatable messages.

The Real Test of Understanding

The real test of understanding is whether you can translate complexity into something people can grasp. That doesn’t mean dumbing things down. It means stripping out the noise so the signal comes through cleanly. It requires choosing words that clarify rather than obscure. Understanding means focusing on what matters most for the decision at hand.

Why Simple Explanations Work

Simple explanations help people connect with the message. They reduce mental demand. They build trust. And they make it far more likely that your audience will remember what you said and take action.

A Foundational Principle for Technical Communicators

In my experience, the professionals who communicate most effectively aren’t the ones who know the most. They’re the ones who understand their subject deeply enough to make it clear. Einstein’s quote may not apply in every situation. But as a foundational principle for technical communication, it’s hard to beat. When in doubt, simplify. Your audience—and your own thinking—will be better for it.

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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.

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