Making complex things simple: the rule of 70

If you present about certain expertise / knowledge that you have, you could use all kind of complex terms and hard to understand examples to convey your message. However you should consider if this will be really helpful for your audience. Do you let them struggle, or do you add value by making complex things simple? How much value do you provide if your presentation is so complex that you cannot clearly express yourself?

In some cases it is easier to use a simple example or easy to follow rule that will add immediate value for the members of your audience. For example you could go through complex formulas and terms to explain about exponential growth. However you can add immediate value by explaining the rule of 70.


The rule of 70 provides an easy way to determine how long it will take for number to double at a certain fixed growth percentage. Simply divide the percentage number into 70 to obtain the number required to double. For example with a growth rate of 7% per year it will take 70/7= 10 years to double. If production needs to increase by 5% per day it will take 70/5 = 14 days to double the production.


Making complex things simple for your audience by explaining simple to use rules will add immediate value for your audience and therefore to your presentation. Read the book that is part of the Public Speaking Kit to make complex things simple and improve your public speaking skills.