Communication · Business Analysts
Why Every Business Analyst Should Practice Explaining Their Code Aloud
Quick summary — why practice aloud?
You can write a complex SQL query, but can you explain it to a non-technical stakeholder or an interviewer without using jargon? Most BAs can't. The shortlisted candidates can.
In this guide you will learn:
- The Gap — why writing and explaining are different skills.
- The Framework — how to structure your explanation.
- Practice Scenarios — real exercises to try.
- Tracking — a checklist to measure your progress.
SECTION 01The Gap Between Writing and Explaining
You can write a complex SQL query, but can you explain it to a non-technical stakeholder or an interviewer without using jargon? Most BAs can't.
- The Curse of Knowledge: You assume others know what you know.
- Jargon Overload: Using terms like "CTE" when "a temporary table" is better.
- Missing the "Why": Focusing on how the query works instead of why it exists.
SECTION 02Structuring Your Explanation
Use the W-W-H framework (What, Why, How) when explaining your code aloud:
| Step | Focus | Action |
|---|---|---|
| What | The Goal | "This query finds all customers who bought in the last 30 days." |
| Why | The Impact | "It helps the sales team focus on high-value recent buyers." |
| How | The Logic | "It joins the orders table with the customers table and filters by date." |
- I wrote a SQL query that uses a CTE and a JOIN.
- It implements window functions.
- It uses implicit and explicit filters.- This query finds the top 20% of customers by revenue
in the last 30 days.
- It helps the sales team focus on high-value buyers,
saving them 2 hours of manual filtering daily.
- It uses a CTE to keep the query readable and a window
function to rank the customers.SECTION 03Practice Scenarios
Try these exercises daily:
- Rubber Duck Debugging: Explain your query to a rubber duck or a non-tech friend.
- Interview Simulation: Record yourself explaining a recent project on your phone. Watch it back.
- Code Review Prep: Explain the why behind each method before a team review.
SECTION 04Tracking templates
Daily Explanation Tracker:
☐ Explained today's script to a peer
☐ Recorded a 2-min self-explanation
☐ Noted one jargon word to replace
☐ Reviewed feedback
Today's Explanation Score (1-5): _____Weekly Tracker:
Week: _____
Goals for this week:
1. Explain one complex script
2. Remove 5 jargon words from vocabulary
3. Record a 5-min presentation
Weekly Wins:
1.
2.
3. SECTION 05Accountability tips
- Find a peer: Partner with another developer and explain your code to each other.
- Join a community: Present your scripts in local meetups or online forums.
- Review weekly: Look back at your recordings and see where you rambled.
SECTION 06Interview Q&A
Q1How do I explain code without sounding robotic?
Focus on the business value first. Use analogies (e.g., "It's like a factory assembly line").
Q2What if I forget a technical term?
Don't panic. Describe what it does instead. "It's the part that filters out the empty rows."
Q3Is this only for Business Analysts?
No, the principles apply to any programming language or automation script.
SECTION 07Test yourself — what stuck?
Three questions.
0 / 3Pick an answer to see why it is right or wrong.
SECTION 08Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in explaining your script?
Start with 'What' the script does before going into 'Why' and 'How'.
Why is recording yourself helpful?
Listening to your recordings helps you identify rambling and jargon.
How often should I do this?
At least once a week, preferably daily.
SECTION 09Related reads
Classroom & online · Noida
Master the art of the interview
Our courses include 1:1 mock interviews to help you explain your code clearly.