How to Communicate With Tech Teams Without Speaking “Tech”
How to Communicate With Tech Teams Without Speaking “Tech”
Working with IT or software development teams can feel intimidating when you don’t speak their language. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to know every technical term to collaborate effectively. What you do need is clarity, context, and confidence. This guide will show you how to bridge the gap and get results—without learning to code.
Why Communication Matters
Miscommunication between business and tech teams is one of the biggest causes of project delays and frustration. When requests are vague or overly technical, it leads to confusion, wasted time, and costly mistakes. The solution? Speak in terms of goals and problems, not jargon.
6 Practical Tips for Clear Communication
1. Focus on Outcomes, Not Tools
Instead of saying:
❌ “Can you set up an API for this?”
Say:
✅ “I need the data from System A to show up in System B automatically—what’s the best way to make that happen?”
Why it works: Tech teams understand the result you want and can choose the best method.
2. Describe the Problem, Not the Solution
❌ “Add a new field to the database.”
✅ “We need to track customer birthdays for marketing campaigns—how can we capture that?”
Why it works: Giving context helps tech teams design the right solution instead of just following instructions blindly.
3. Use Visuals
Attach screenshots or mockups instead of writing long descriptions:
✅ “This report is missing the revenue column—can we add it here?”
Why it works: Visuals reduce ambiguity and speed up understanding.
4. Avoid Assumptions About Complexity
❌ “This should be easy to fix.”
✅ “How much effort would it take to add this feature?”
Why it works: Respect their expertise and open the door for realistic timelines.
5. Confirm Understanding
After explaining your request, ask:
✅ “Does this make sense? Is there anything I should clarify?”
Why it works: It prevents miscommunication early and builds trust.
6. Summarize in Writing
Follow up meetings with a short recap:
✅ “Here’s what we agreed: Add a revenue column to the report by Friday. Let me know if I missed anything.”
Why it works: Written summaries keep everyone aligned and accountable.
Example Phrases You Can Use
“The goal is…”
“Here’s the problem we’re trying to solve…”
“What’s the simplest way to achieve this?”
“Can you walk me through what’s possible?”
Final Thought
You don’t need to speak “tech” to work with tech teams—you just need clarity and collaboration. When you focus on outcomes and respect their expertise, you’ll build stronger partnerships and deliver better results.
Need help starting? Download our free eBook for in-depth insights, enroll in our online course to build your business software foundational knowledge, or connect with a consultant today for personalized guidance. And of course, don’t forget to check out our custom software directory.