Your best ideas will go nowhere unless you can communicate them to others. Whether you’re trying to do so to your employees or potential investors, you must be able to make other people understand exactly what your idea is and what it can do for them. Try these tactics:

• Practice pitching. Start by explaining your idea to your family, friends, even strangers. Pick people who will be supportive and others who are likely to be negative so that you learn how to respond to both.
• Know your audience. One size does not fit all. Practice tailoring your basic message so it can be understood by any audience, from shop-floor workers to patent attorneys.
• Check often for understanding. Ask, “Are you following me?’ or, “Do you understand?” Ask listeners to paraphrase your thoughts so that you know they are catching your drift.
• Don’t go overboard. Pick the most important points to explain. Don’t overwhelm your listener with more information than he or she needs