Explaining Clearly: Chunk and Check
When to use it
Explaining stations ('Explain to a patient what asthma is', 'Explain how to tie a shoelace'), talking to children, and any time an interviewer asks you to explain a concept simply.
The steps
- 1
Start where they are
'What do you already know about…?' Adjust your level and avoid repeating what they know.
- 2
Signpost
'I'll explain what's happening in the lungs, then how the inhaler helps.'
- 3
Chunk
One idea at a time, in plain words, with a relatable analogy. Short sentences.
- 4
Check (teach-back)
'Just so I know I've explained it well, could you tell me in your own words…?' This checks your explanation, not their intelligence.
- 5
Summarise and invite questions
Recap the two or three key points and ask what else they would like to know. Offer written information.
Worked example
'Asthma affects the tubes that carry air into your lungs. In asthma they're more sensitive, so things like pollen or cold air can make them tighten and swell — a bit like breathing through a narrow straw. Check Does that make sense so far? The blue inhaler relaxes the muscles around the tubes quickly, so it's for when you feel tight. The brown one calms the swelling over time, so it only works if you take it every day, even when you feel well. Teach-back Could you tell me which one you'd use if you felt wheezy at football?'
Try it yourself: Role-play: explain to a 10-year-old recently diagnosed with asthma what asthma is and how to use their two inhalers.
Common mistakes
- Jargon ('bronchoconstriction', 'inflammation') without translation.
- Asking 'Does that make sense?' and moving on — use teach-back instead.
- Delivering everything in one monologue.
- Talking down to the person.
Questions that use this framework
- How do vaccines work, and what is herd immunity?Main frameworkStandard
- Role-play: explain to a 10-year-old recently diagnosed with asthma what asthma is and how to use their two inhalers.Main frameworkStandard
- Role-play: a 7-year-old is frightened about having a blood test. Help them understand what will happen.Main frameworkChallenging