“Explain like I’m 5”

Every organization has things it needs to explain.

To staff.
To volunteers.
To donors.
To the people it serves.

And surprisingly often, one page is enough.

Now and then, a client will ask me to help them work up some "one-pagers" for their staff.

I almost always say yes.

Here's one I made recently for client staff who are testing a new login feature:

Sure, a one-pager isn't as flashy as a 30-minute training video.
It's not as detailed as a 20-page annual report.

But people read it.
If it's well done, they remember it.
And when they need it again, the info is right there.

Here's what I've learned:

It's tempting to try and explain everything.
But people don't usually need a comprehensive explanation.

They just need enough
to understand the idea today
and a quick way
to refresh their memory tomorrow.

Whether you're training staff,
or encouraging donors,
or helping someone reset their passord...

The one question worth asking is not,
"Am I covering all the bases?"
but,
"What do they really need to know?"

Because the goal of communication isn't completeness.

It's understanding.

All the best,
A.