What physics, plain language, and successful compliance communication have in common

What is the Feynman technique?

Richard Feynman was not only a brilliant physicist but also an exceptionally clear thinker. He became known for his ability to explain even the most complicated physical concepts in a way that everyone could understand – from first-year students to cleaning staff. What distinguished him was his radical clarity.

The Feynman Technique, named after him, is a method for not only learning complex content but also presenting it in a way that others can easily understand. It consists of four simple yet effective steps:

• Choose a topic
  • For example: “Conflicts of interest in everyday business” or “Policy on accepting gifts”
• Explain it in simple terms
  • As if you were explaining it to a 12-year-old child – without jargon, without technical terms (Caution: always be respectful! “Simple” doesn’t mean “for dummies”!)
• Identify where you get stuck
  • These points highlight your own knowledge gaps or unnecessary complexity
• Revise your explanation
  • Clarity means: understandable without oversimplifying – precise, yet accessible

The Feynman technique is suitable for all disciplines – from natural sciences and law to management and communication. Its goal is not simplification in the sense of standardization, but rather accessibility through clarity.

Why communication often fails to get through

The method forces you to view content through the eyes of the target audience. It not only refines the language but also improves your own understanding. Typical changes that result from using the Feynman technique include:

• Reduction of technical terms in favor of clear, everyday language
• Structuring in a logical sequence instead of chronological lists
• Use of analogies and examples that are relevant to the target audience’s daily life.

This results in texts, presentations, and conversations that are effective – not because they convey less content, but because they make the content understandable.

This is not an expression of a lack of interest (!), but rather a result of being overwhelmed. Cognitive processing capacity is limited – especially when the language is cumbersome.

Why this method is so effective

The strength of the Feynman technique lies in its ability to combine understanding with clarity. Anyone who forces themselves to explain a topic in simple terms quickly realizes whether they have truly grasped it – and whether their way of expressing it is suitable for engaging others.

In communication professions, in leadership roles, in the education sector – and especially in compliance roles – this is absolutely crucial. This is because these areas often involve sensitive content that requires explanation, where any misunderstanding can have consequences.

Complexity is not the problem – but ambiguity is

In many organizations, complexity is confused with depth or seriousness. Those who know a lot often like to formulate things in a long and complicated way. But clarity is not a lack of depth, but rather an expression of responsibility.

Typical challenges:

• Specialized terminology goes unquestioned
  • Terms such as “appropriate measure,” “interest-driven decision,” or “code of conduct” often seem vague to outsiders.
• Structures are logical, but not easily explained
  • When documents are legally correct but communicatively empty, they remain ineffective.
• Texts are overloaded
  • A single sentence contains multiple lines of thought – instead of clarity, confusion arises.

The Feynman technique addresses these problems not through reduction, but through thorough understanding:

What do I want to say – and how do I get my point across in such a way that it really resonates with the other person?

„If you can’t explain something simply, you haven’t understood it well enough.”

Richard P. Feynman (1918-1998), american Physicist and Nobel price winner 1965

Practical application

The method can be applied to almost all communication formats, e.g.:

Application situation	Benefits of the Feynman technique
Emails to managers	Structure clearly, and state concerns precisely
Presentations	Structure content logically and present it in an understandable way
Training material	Linguistically accessible, with examples instead of just rules
Communication to employees	Understandable instructions, clear messages
Speeches, presentations, videos	Reduction to the essentials, authentic language

Case study: A compliance issue in the Feynman test

A company wants to inform its employees about a new whistleblower system. The original version of the memo reads:

„As part of the introduction of our internal whistleblowing system, we would like to inform all employees that, in cases of suspected compliance violations, it is possible to submit relevant information confidentially via the digital reporting portal.“

After applying the Feynman technique, the following results:

„If you notice something in your daily work that isn’t right – for example, bribery or discrimination – you can report it. There is a portal for this on the intranet. Your report will remain confidential.“

Shorter. Clearer. More effective.

Why this method is particularly helpful in compliance

Compliance is not an end in itself. Its purpose is to provide guidance, foster trust, and embed ethical behavior in everyday life. However, much of the content – ​​from guidelines to risk analyses – is written in language that is off-putting.

The Feynman technique helps to make this content accessible without trivializing it:

• Rules are explained in an understandable way.
• Employees feel supported, not controlled.
• Managers know how to communicate information effectively.

Above all, it shows that those who communicate clearly are perceived as credible, competent, and open.

Combination with other methods

The Feynman technique is not a cure-all, but it is an ideal starting point – especially when combined with:

• Storytelling: Connects clear language with emotion, context, and memory
• Visualization: Complex content is made tangible through diagrams, images, or metaphors
• Interactive formats: Collaborative explanation (e.g., in training sessions) promotes learning success and participation

Conclusion – Clarity begins in the mind

The Feynman technique reminds us that communication is more than just sending information. It is an attempt to establish a connection – between knowledge and action, between people and systems.

Explaining things in an understandable way is not a stylistic device. It is a form of respect.
And in times of increasing complexity, it is perhaps the most effective form of leadership.

© Your Julia Bach

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