You ask questions. You stop them and circle back to the overview and context. Ask them about the high level. Ask them for the pretty pictures PPT.
If they deviate from what you need, stop them politely and put them back on track with the excuse of "it will help me understand this better so I can provide a solution".
I feel like this only works in small groups. Have you (repeatedly) done this in bigger groups? I feel like that's a great way to make everyone hate you. Although I must say that sometimes I have asked this question, and people seemed thankful because they also didn't understand a thing, but simply didn't dare to ask. This is a bit tricky, because if nobody asks questions, I feel like they all understand and I'm the only dumb one who doesn't get it.
I feel like that's a great way to make everyone hate you
Maybe. But at least you'd know what the discussion is about. Or ask for notes. I can't say I've been in a meeting where someone asking questions was frowned upon.
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You already have your solution. You typed it out.
You ask questions. You stop them and circle back to the overview and context. Ask them about the high level. Ask them for the pretty pictures PPT.
If they deviate from what you need, stop them politely and put them back on track with the excuse of "it will help me understand this better so I can provide a solution".
I feel like this only works in small groups. Have you (repeatedly) done this in bigger groups? I feel like that's a great way to make everyone hate you. Although I must say that sometimes I have asked this question, and people seemed thankful because they also didn't understand a thing, but simply didn't dare to ask. This is a bit tricky, because if nobody asks questions, I feel like they all understand and I'm the only dumb one who doesn't get it.
Maybe. But at least you'd know what the discussion is about. Or ask for notes. I can't say I've been in a meeting where someone asking questions was frowned upon.
You're on the right track.