Think about computer programming and entrepreneurship –undoubtedly, Bill Gates comes to mind. Gates wrote his first software program at the age of 13 and later went on to found Microsoft Corporation, the world’s largest personal software company.
In 2014, Bill Gates returned to the company he co-founded, serving as a product and technology advisor to the newly appointed Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella. As he stepped into his new role and position, it transformed the way the world saw him. One critical aspect that he reinvented in this brand-new avatar was his communication style. The public saw a very different communicator now – a total change from the leader who left his day-to-day role at Microsoft in 2006.
Communications coach Carmine Gallo wrote in Forbes magazine, “I’ve watched Gates very closely as he transformed himself into a persuasive communicator who could explain complex subjects simply.” 1 That was when Gates announced that he would focus most of his time on philanthropy through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He now needed people to donate their wealth, so he would need to grab people’s attention.
Here are some techniques he used:
1. Break down the main theme into 3 main points, like “3 myths that block progress for the poor”.
Three is a powerful number in communications theory, substantial enough to support an argument, yet short enough not to overwhelm people with too much information. If you look closely, our metaphors and phrases are replete with grouping ideas into 3. Take a few of
these examples-
The Musketeers
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
He came, he saw, he conquered
Amar, Akbar, Antony
Roti, Kapda, Makan
Goldilocks and the 3 bears
The rule of 3 is based on the idea that our brains are wired to process and recall information structured in patterns of three. It creates rhythm, balance, and completeness. It also gives you space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the other sections.
2. Using pictures instead of words
Gates used image-rich slides, which differ from the usual cluttered PPT slides. He used fewer words, but the images were powerful. This technique is called picture superiority because people tend to remember pictures more. Powerful pictures with words give context and relevance. Look at this picture. Do you think 100 words in text would create the same
effect as this visual?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2014/02/07/how-bill-gates-radically-transformed-his-public-speaking-and-communication-skills/?sh=622884bc4330
https://www.unicef.org/stories/climate-drought-horn-of-africa
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Over 20 million people, including 10 million children, in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia will need water and food assistance through 2022.
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Images evoke thoughts, provide indicators about context and culture, and enhance the human experience. There’s a thing called emotional learning that occurs in shaping attitudes, thinking, and behaviour.
3. Simple ways to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
One reason why Gates is regarded as an excellent communicator in the technology industry is because of his ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
This includes establishing relevance upfront, avoiding information overload, using stories and analogies, and even using interesting props to drive home the point.
All these techniques give us sufficient food for thought on how technology leaders can be great communicators too and help us understand how complex technology can provide solutions to so many world problems.
