Communication, negotiation, and business impact for engineers—helping you collaborate effectively with teams, stakeholders, and leadership.


## How to Communicate Effectively with Non-Tech Stakeholders

### Why Communication Matters for Developers

You’ve spent weeks optimizing a system, fixing performance bottlenecks, and ensuring scalability—only to have your update met with blank stares in a stakeholder meeting. Sound familiar? Many engineers face this challenge when communicating technical progress to non-technical teams. The reality is, no matter how great your solution is, if it doesn’t resonate with decision-makers, it won’t get the buy-in it deserves.

Being a great engineer isn’t just about writing code—it’s about making sure your ideas are heard. Developers who explain their work in a way that resonates with business teams gain influence, drive collaboration, and ultimately shape key decisions. Those who can articulate their ideas clearly gain more influence, foster collaboration, and advance in their careers.

## 1. Understand Your Audience

Imagine you’re presenting a system upgrade to executives, expecting enthusiasm. Instead, they seem disinterested, asking only about costs and timelines. What went wrong? The issue often isn’t the work itself, but how it’s framed.

Before diving into technical details, it’s important to recognise that different stakeholders have different priorities and concerns. Tailoring your message accordingly ensures it resonates with your audience and leads to better decision-making.

- Executives & Business Leaders: They care about how technology impacts business goals, ROI, and long-term strategy.
- Product Managers: Their focus is on user experience, feasibility, and delivery timelines.
- Marketing & Sales Teams: They need to know how technical developments translate into customer benefits and market differentiation.
- Finance & Legal Teams: Their concerns revolve around costs, compliance, and risk management.

For example, if you’re explaining a new system architecture to executives, focus on how it will improve performance, reduce costs, or scale the business—not the intricate technical details.

## 2. Simplify Without Dumbing Down

Many engineers struggle to simplify their explanations without feeling like they’re losing technical accuracy. However, simplifying does not mean removing important details—it means making them digestible for a non-technical audience.

- Use Analogies: Relate technical concepts to everyday experiences to make them easier to grasp.
- Tell a Story: Describe challenges, the approach taken, and the results achieved in a way that engages your audience.
- Focus on Outcomes: Instead of getting lost in details, highlight the business or user impact.

For instance, if you’re explaining load balancing, you could compare it to a restaurant that evenly distributes customers among waiters to ensure no one is overwhelmed.

## 3. Be Data-Driven, But Selective

Using data strengthens your arguments, but excessive details can cause stakeholders to lose interest. Presenting data strategically makes your insights more persuasive.

- Highlight key takeaways – Emphasise the most relevant statistics rather than listing raw technical data.
- Use Visuals – Graphs and charts help clarify trends and impact more effectively than numbers alone.
- Avoid Overloading with Details – Provide in-depth technical data only when necessary or link to supporting documentation.

For example, instead of listing multiple performance metrics, say _“This optimisation reduced server costs by 30% while improving page load speeds by 40%.”_

## 4. Manage Expectations Transparently

Feature timelines are often a source of friction between product and engineering teams. While developers understand the complexities behind a task, product managers may have high expectations for rapid delivery. To prevent misalignment, engineers should walk stakeholders through dependencies, risks, and trade-offs. Clearly outlining options—such as launching a minimal viable version first versus a fully optimised one later—helps teams align on realistic delivery expectations.

- Break Down Timelines: Explain milestones and dependencies rather than offering a single deadline.
- Explain Trade-Offs: Clarify the implications of different choices, such as performance vs. feature complexity.
- Provide Regular Updates: Keeping stakeholders informed reduces last-minute surprises and builds trust.

For instance, if a feature request will delay a project’s launch, explain the trade-off: _“Adding this feature now means delaying the launch by two weeks, or we can schedule it for the next release cycle to stay on track.”_

## 5. Foster Two-Way Communication

Effective collaboration goes beyond just delivering updates—it requires active dialogue. Encouraging open discussions helps align technical decisions with business needs and fosters trust between teams.

- Ask Questions: Understand business goals and constraints to ensure technical alignment.
- Summarise Their Needs: Restate key points to confirm understanding and alignment.
- Clarify Ambiguous Requests: Push for specifics when receiving broad feedback like, _“Make it more user-friendly.”_

For example, if a stakeholder asks for “better security,” ask _“Are you concerned about data encryption, user authentication, or system access control?”_ This prevents miscommunication and ensures the right solution is implemented.

## 6. Use the Right Communication Channels

Not every message belongs in an email. Important updates get buried, slowing teams down. That’s why many teams rely on Slack for quick discussions and use structured reports to document key decisions. Email updates often get buried, leading to missed information and delays. Many teams improve coordination by using tools like Slack for real-time discussions and structured reports for long-term documentation. Choosing the right format for each message ensures key stakeholders stay informed without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Selecting the right communication channel ensures that important updates reach the right people at the right time.

- Meetings & Presentations: Best for strategic discussions and securing executive buy-in.
- Slack & Email Updates: Useful for quick updates and ongoing transparency across teams.
- Documentation & Reports: Essential for tracking technical decisions and providing long-term references.

For example, if a technical decision impacts multiple teams, a well-documented report ensures consistency across the organisation, while a brief Slack update keeps immediate stakeholders informed.

## 7. Handle Pushback with Confidence

Technical investments often come under scrutiny, especially from finance teams focused on cost control. When an engineering team proposes an infrastructure upgrade or new tooling, the long-term benefits might seem clear to them, but financial stakeholders tend to focus on immediate expenses. By presenting a clear cost-benefit analysis—highlighting potential savings, efficiency gains, and reduced risks—engineers can shift the conversation from cost avoidance to strategic investment.

Stakeholders won’t always agree with your recommendations, and that’s okay. Instead of seeing pushback as an obstacle, view it as an opportunity to refine your approach and reach better solutions together.

- Acknowledge Their Perspective: Show that you understand their concerns before presenting your response.
- Explain Trade-Offs: Help stakeholders understand the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.
- Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems: Rather than rejecting an idea outright, suggest alternatives that balance feasibility and business impact.

For example, if a stakeholder insists on an aggressive timeline, instead of saying _“That’s impossible,”_ respond with _“We can meet that deadline if we reduce scope or prioritise key features first.”_

## Conclusion: The Developers Who Lead

Great engineers don’t just write code—they make sure their ideas resonate. The ability to communicate technical insights in a way that drives business impact separates those who execute from those who lead.

Clear communication doesn’t just make your ideas easier to understand—it makes them harder to ignore. Developers who can secure buy-in, set realistic expectations, and address concerns head-on don’t just contribute; they lead. Whether it’s getting buy-in for your ideas, managing expectations, or handling pushback effectively, strong communication skills help you navigate challenges and drive meaningful change.

The engineers who master this early don’t just improve collaboration—they shape the direction of their teams, their companies, and the technology itself. Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a force multiplier for everything you do.


How to Communicate Effectively with Non-Tech Stakeholders


# _Public Speaking for Engineers: How to Present Ideas Clearly_

## _Why Public Speaking is a Game-Changer for Engineers_

As an engineer, your expertise is invaluable, but your ability to communicate your ideas effectively can make all the difference. Whether you're explaining a complex bug to your team, presenting a new feature to stakeholders, or contributing to a discussion in a tech meetup, your ability to speak with clarity and confidence is a crucial skill that often goes overlooked.

Public speaking for engineers isn't just about giving formal presentations. It’s also about confidently explaining ideas in meetings, making a case for a new technology stack, contributing to discussions, or even leading a lunch-and-learn session for colleagues. Engineers who master public speaking are better at leading teams, influencing decisions, and advancing in their careers. Whether you're pitching a new solution, participating in a panel discussion, or explaining a complex system to non-technical stakeholders, your ability to communicate will set you apart.

## _Why Engineers Struggle with Public Speaking_

### _Technical Depth vs. Clear Communication_

Engineers often dive deep into details, but non-technical audiences need concise, structured explanations. Your challenge is to bridge that gap.

### _Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Judgment_

Many engineers hesitate to speak up, fearing they’ll sound unqualified. Remember: confidence comes from preparation and practise.

### _Lack of Practice_

Unlike coding, where you can test and refine your work in private, public speaking requires live practice, real-time feedback, and audience engagement. Just like debugging code, refining your communication skills involves trial, error, and continuous learning.

## _How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills_

### _1. Structure Your Message for Clarity_

A clear structure ensures your audience follows your points effortlessly.

#### _Use the Pyramid Principle_

Start with the main takeaway, then support it with details. This keeps your audience engaged from the start.

#### _Follow a Simple Presentation Framework_

- _Introduction_ – State the problem.
- _Main Content_ – Explain your solution or insight.
- _Conclusion_ – Reinforce the key takeaway and suggest next steps.

### _2. Simplify Technical Concepts for Any Audience_

Your audience may not share your technical background. Simplify your message using:

- _Analogies:_ "This algorithm works like a traffic light, controlling the flow of data."
- _Real-world examples:_ Relate concepts to familiar scenarios.
- _Diagrams and visuals:_ A well-designed slide can explain in seconds what words might take minutes. Keep slides _minimalistic_—limit text and use compelling visuals to reinforce your message rather than reading from them.

### _3. Speak with Confidence and Authority_

#### _Hook Your Audience from the First 20 Seconds_

Rehearse your key points instead of memorising a script. In the first _20 seconds_, start with a _question, surprising fact, or quick story_ to capture attention—engineers often start with dry technical details, but a strong opening makes people want to listen.

#### _Use Your Voice and Body Language Effectively_

Silence is powerful. Pausing after key points gives the audience time to absorb information. Also, avoid standing stiffly or pacing nervously—use _open hand gestures_ and _eye contact_ to appear confident and engaging.

#### _Control Filler Words_

Reduce "um," "like," and "you know" by practicing with deliberate pauses.

### _4. Engage Your Audience and Deliver Like a Pro_

#### _Ask Questions_

Turn your presentation into a conversation. Ask questions like, 'Does this approach make sense?' or 'Who has encountered this issue before?' Interactive elements, even small ones, keep the audience engaged.

#### _Use Storytelling and Visuals to Make Your Ideas Stick_

People remember stories better than raw data. For example, imagine you’re in a meeting explaining why an API needs optimisation. Instead of diving straight into benchmarks and graphs, start with a relatable scenario: 'Last week, a key client reported slow load times, and we realised that our API response time had doubled. After investigating, we found inefficient queries were the culprit. By optimising those, we cut the response time in half. Here’s how…' This approach keeps your audience engaged and invested in the problem.

### _5. Showcase Your Work and Participate in Discussions_

#### _Presenting Your Work Effectively_

Whether you're presenting a project to your team, demonstrating a solution to stakeholders, or discussing your work at a conference, structuring your explanation effectively helps others understand its value.

- _What was the problem?_
- _What solution did you implement?_
- _What impact did it have?_
- _What did you learn?_

#### _Explaining Complex Ideas Clearly_

- _Think out loud_ – Whether you're whiteboarding an idea, discussing an issue in a meeting, or reviewing code with a colleague, verbalising your thought process makes it easier for others to follow.
- _Clarify requirements_ before diving into code.
- _Summarise your solution_ before wrapping up.

## _How to Practice and Get Better_

### _Join Tech Meetups or Toastmasters_

Practice in front of an audience at local tech events or Toastmasters clubs. Speaking at meetups helps you get comfortable with explaining technical topics in a casual setting.

### _Record Yourself_

Watching a playback of your talk helps you spot areas for improvement—be it pacing, tone, or body language.

### _Seek Feedback_

Ask colleagues, mentors, or friends for honest feedback on your presentation skills.

### _Use Australian Job Resources_

If you're looking to build confidence and gain experience in public speaking, these Australian platforms offer great opportunities to practice and present:

- _Seek (seek.com.au):_ Lists speaking opportunities at industry events.
- _Meetup (meetup.com):_ Connects you with tech communities where you can present.
- _Tech Conferences (YOW!, DDD Melbourne, PyCon AU):_ Great for learning and presenting.

## _Final Challenge: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone_

Public speaking, like coding, improves with deliberate practice. Just as you wouldn’t expect to master a new programming language overnight, developing strong speaking skills takes consistent effort and incremental improvements. Public speaking is a skill you can practice daily, even in small interactions. Challenge yourself this month with these actionable steps:

- The next time a colleague asks a question in Slack or a meeting, take the opportunity to explain your thought process out loud.
- Share it with a peer or mentor for feedback.
- Join a discussion at a conference or contribute to an online tech forum.

Pick one opportunity this week—whether it's speaking up in a meeting, explaining a concept to a colleague, or joining a discussion. Start small and build from there.


Public Speaking for Engineers: How to Present Ideas Clearly


## The Importance of Soft Skills for Junior Engineers

Embarking on your engineering career is both exhilarating and challenging. You've honed your technical skills, mastered complex algorithms, and can debug code in your sleep. Yet, as you step into the professional world, you might find that landing your dream job requires more than just technical prowess. Many junior engineers struggle to stand out in interviews and team settings, despite their technical expertise. A skilled coder might ace algorithmic challenges but stumble when explaining ideas or working in a group. This gap often holds engineers back in their careers. The missing piece? Soft skills.

### Understanding Soft Skills

**Soft skills** encompass a range of non-technical abilities that influence how you work and interact with others. These include:

- **Communication:** Clearly articulating ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- **Teamwork:** Collaborating effectively within diverse teams.
- **Initiative & Influence:** Taking responsibility, suggesting improvements, and encouraging collaboration within a team.
- **Adaptability:** Adjusting to new tools, technologies, or methodologies with ease.
- **Time Management:** Prioritising tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
- **Emotional Intelligence:** Understanding and managing your emotions, and empathising with others.

While some people may naturally excel in certain soft skills, these abilities can still be developed and refined over time with intentional practice and experience.

### The Job Market's Emphasis on Soft Skills

Employers increasingly value soft skills alongside technical abilities. A study revealed that 96% of employers consider soft skills to be either more important or equally important to technical skills ([Hays](https://www.hays.com.au)). The most sought-after soft skills include teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

### Building a Compelling Portfolio

Take Alex, a junior engineer who had a strong GitHub portfolio but struggled in interviews. By showcasing how they collaborated in open-source projects and writing about technical challenges in blog posts, they landed their first job much faster than expected. Your portfolio isn’t just about code—it’s a reflection of how you collaborate, solve problems, and communicate your ideas. Showcasing technical projects is essential, but integrating soft skills will help you stand out to employers.

#### **Highlight Collaborative Projects:**

Include projects where you've worked in teams, emphasising your roles and contributions.

#### **Demonstrate Adaptability in Challenges:**

Highlight moments when you successfully adjusted to challenges, learned new processes, or navigated complex team dynamics.

#### **Showcase Communication Skills:**

Incorporate any presentations, technical blogs, or documentation you've created to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.

#### **Reflect on Adaptability:**

Show how you adapted to evolving project needs or quickly picked up new technologies to keep projects on track.

### Networking: Building Authentic Connections

As a junior engineer, networking might seem intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to open doors. Building real relationships—rather than just collecting contacts—will help you grow faster than you expect. Networking isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about learning from others, gaining mentorship, and staying informed on industry trends. For instance, a junior developer who actively participates in local meetups or online communities might land job referrals or mentorship opportunities that significantly accelerate their career.

#### **Join Professional Organisations:**

Engage with groups like Engineers Australia to connect with peers and mentors.

#### **Attend Workshops and Seminars:**

Participate in events focusing on both technical advancements and soft skill development.

#### **Engage in Online Communities:**

Platforms like Reddit's r/ExperiencedDevs offer insights and discussions on the importance of soft skills in engineering. ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ExperiencedDevs))

#### **Seek Mentorship:**

Find experienced professionals who can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer feedback on your development.

### Preparing for Interviews: Demonstrating Soft Skills

Interviews assess more than just your technical knowledge. Employers use behavioral questions like 'Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict in a team' or 'Describe a situation where you had to learn something quickly' to assess your soft skills. Preparing structured responses to such questions can set you apart. Your ability to adapt and work well in a team will make you stand out. Employers want to see how you fit into their culture and collaborate with others, not just how well you write code.

#### **Communicate Clearly:**

Practice articulating your thoughts concisely, avoiding jargon when explaining technical concepts to non-technical interviewers.

#### **Provide Examples:**

Share specific instances where you've demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving skills.

#### **Show Emotional Intelligence:**

Demonstrate self-awareness by acknowledging areas for improvement and discussing steps you're taking to develop those areas.

#### **Ask Insightful Questions:**

Prepare questions that reflect your interest in the company's culture, team dynamics, and expectations regarding soft skills.

### Soft Skills: A Lifelong Journey

Soft skills are not something you learn once—they require ongoing practice and refinement. One effective way to track your progress is by maintaining a self-reflection journal—write about interactions, feedback received, and improvements made over time. Here are ways to continually enhance these abilities:

#### **Seek Feedback:**

Regularly ask peers and supervisors for constructive feedback on your interpersonal interactions and areas for improvement.

#### **Engage in Team Activities:**

Participate in group projects or extracurricular activities that require collaboration and communication.

#### **Pursue Professional Development:**

Attend workshops or courses focused on soft skill enhancement.

#### **Reflect Regularly:**

Take time to reflect on your interactions and identify patterns or areas where you can improve.

### Conclusion

As a junior engineer, your technical skills lay the foundation for your career. However, integrating soft skills into your professional persona can significantly enhance your employability and career progression. Employers across industries recognise the value of these skills, making them essential for career growth.

Consider how soft skills have played a role in your growth so far. What’s one that has helped you succeed, and what’s one you’d like to improve? Small, consistent efforts in refining these skills can make a lasting impact on your career.


Business & Communication Skills

How to Communicate Effectively with Non-Tech Stakeholders

Public Speaking for Engineers: How to Present Ideas Clearly

The Importance of Soft Skills for Junior Engineers