Why Repeating Yourself Louder Never Works — and What to Do Instead

Software engineer and writer Asael Shinder argues that failed explanations stem from using the wrong frame, not the wrong words. He recommends preparing at least three versions of any technical idea — mechanical, consequence-based, and analogical — to suit different audiences such as engineers, product managers, or long-tenured colleagues. Shinder advises communicators to watch for physical cues like a lean or a genuine follow-up question to know when understanding has clicked. He cautions against continuing to explain past the point of comprehension, calling it a failure in itself. When all three approaches miss, he suggests asking the listener to paraphrase back what they heard, as their misunderstanding will reveal which angle to try next.