Comment by ordu | Hacker News Reader

Comment by ordu | Hacker News Reader

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> With all that said, I prefer to first explain my job in an “explain like I’m 5” style and, if the other party indicates interest, add detail and jargon

It is just your choice. I'd prefer a short answer full of jargon. It gives people the opportunity to clarify what they want to ask. Do they really want to know details? Or they want a rough idea of an answer? Or they just filling silence with small talk?

Though other times, when I really want to talk about it, I'd go with some ELI5 explanation, while watching people, are they interested or not?

> Honestly, I think not appreciating simple explanations indicates both low mathematical/logical and social/emotional intelligence.

It can be. But mostly it is not. People are sending signals by choosing one form of the answer or another, you just need to decode their signals. And it will be better, if you don't jump to conclusions about their persistent psychological traits, based on the first impression.

I think the negotiation signal being sent by "all jargon" is "fuck off". It's not an attempt to gauge what level the other person is using. It's a blank wall, being thrust towards them.

It seems like dumbing it down or immediate heavy jargon with people you don't know are just both equally bad options.

What's wrong with asking their level of experience with the topic?

Sure, with parents you know the level. I'm talking "other strangers" you meet outside of a context where some familiarity would be expected (like at a conference one might assume at least some form of knowledge and ability to just have the other person ask about specific jargon they don't know).

But at the parents dinner party, that other guy may or may not be in your line of work. Just ask them.

> What's wrong with asking their level of experience with the topic?

Nothing. That's precisely the point. Giving a wall of jargon, isn't asking if someone is familiar.

Maybe it's just me but I feel entirely comfortable asking questions like "how much math did you take? do you remember what a derivative is?" and base my explanations on the response. Turns out fine every time so far... and if they don't remember what a derivative is (or whatever) then I just explain it differently no big deal. I'd almost argue it is easier than not asking, but only if I actually care about them understanding the answer.

That is fine. That's not what has been complained about here. That's invitational, not wall of jargon.

right, was agreeing with you.

meta: I hate how hn culture lately makes people assume that what was obviously a statement in support of a premise was somehow an argument. I get it, around here it is rational enough. Still weird.

Not exactly a bad thing in my books.

Maybe so, if that is your choice, but it is not giving "people the opportunity to clarify what they want to ask".

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