Final answer:
When uncertain about an audience's technical understanding, simplify language and explanations to ensure clarity and accessibility. Know your audience's existing knowledge to provide the right amount of background information and enhance comprehension. Use clear, direct language with specific terms only when appropriate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When in doubt about an audience's level of technical understanding, the best approach is to simplify your language and explanations. This ensures the information is accessible to everyone and minimizes the risk of misunderstanding. Using technical jargon and complex terms can alienate those not familiar with the subject matter and should be avoided unless you are certain your audience is equipped with the necessary background knowledge. To communicate effectively, it is essential to know your audience and their expectations, which includes understanding what they already know about the topic and what they do not. This insight informs the amount of background information you provide, helping you to strike a balance between being informative and engaging without overwhelming or boring the audience.
Ensuring that visuals used are large and clear, as well as giving serious consideration to the quality of any multimedia elements, such as avoiding tiny graphs or muffled audio clips, is critical. These should complement your writing by enhancing understanding, not detract from it. Accept that what seems clear to you may not be as clear to others and do not hesitate to seek feedback from another reader. Remember, whether writing a report in a social science, natural science, or technical field, using clear, direct, and economical language while judiciously employing specific terms or jargon will serve both you and your audience well.