What is the best way to explain to someone about things they don't understand like fast cars?

Question

What is the best way to explain to someone about things they don't understand like fast cars?

Answer 1

That depends on many factors.  1. Who is asking the question?  2. Age of the questioner.  3.  In what context is the question put?  Is the questioner male or female? Explaining technical jargon to a lady is very difficult, but with the right example can be done. Fast cars are not that different from ordinary cars, only faster.  So what is the question?

Answer 2

Is the question "how do I explain complex things to someone who doesn't understand" or is the question "how do I explain fast cars to someone who doesn't understand"?

Basically you have to understand the other persons level of intellect, understanding and experience.  In the Army we like to say "break it down Barney style" (a reference to a purple dinosaur explaining things to kids). It is an attempt to explain a concept that anyone could understand.  Making comparisons to something the person does understand is very helpful.  You will probably have to start at a basic level and work your way up to more complex ideas. Feedback from the person is essential for you to know he or she understands.

I am an instructor in the Army teaching tank crews about the new Abrams M1A2 SEP v2 and often have to answer questions about how some things on the tank work.  The other day a Private asked me what causes "drift" in the tanks hydraulic system.  I could have said "excess voltage in the 3rd stage linear variable differential transformers" and left it at that but I chose to break it down in easier to understand pieces that left the Private with a understanding that exceeded the knowledge base of most Sergeants who have been on tanks for years.