Ever spent weeks analyzing data and creating detailed content, only to have your audience’s eyes glaze over before you finish your first slide? If you work in science communication, education, or produce STEM-centric media, you’re not alone. Transforming dense, technical material into something that actually resonates is a universal challenge — and sometimes, even the most important information gets lost in translation.

Why does this happen? For starters, technical topics often come with their own language (i.e., jargon, acronyms, formulas) that can act as a barrier instead of a bridge. Even within STEM fields, a biologist and a physicist can trip each other up with discipline-specific terms. For broader audiences like students, event-goers, or the general public, this uphill climb is even steeper.

Another common culprit is information overload. When every detail feels crucial, there’s a temptation to include it all, resulting in dense slides, long speeches, and overwhelmed listeners. The brain needs a clear roadmap; without signposts and structure, it’s easy for audiences to get lost and lose interest.

Finally, uncertainty can stem from not knowing how much prior knowledge your audience brings with them. Underestimating—or overestimating—your audience’s background can cause confusion or boredom. Striking that balance is more art than science, and it takes practice (plus a willingness to adapt on the fly).

The big takeaway? The power of a message isn’t just in its accuracy, but in its clarity. If your audience doesn’t “get it,” all your hard work could drift right by. The next time you craft a technical story, ask: “How can I make this irresistible and clear to someone who doesn’t live in my world?” Starting from that place of empathy can be the difference between information that’s just presented, and information that actually makes an impact.