The problem is that people who are subject matter experts in a field tend to over estimate the amount of knowledge a layperson has about their field.

https://xkcd.com/2501/

With the caveat that a simple explanation stipulates a basic understanding of the topic at hand. I could explain the concept of First Break Positioning to anyone, but it's gonna take a while unless they have a basic understanding of how a seismic survey works.

I'm not a fan of analogies. They can be very condescending and convoluted and I find I dont learn much from them. I dont think there are any shortcuts to learning in that way really.

I find most the times the issue I have with someone teaching me something is that they are treating it as a one sided communication. If the person teaching won't learn about the student, they end up assuming a lot of things and that is what breaks understanding.

Analogies are nice when the purpose isn't to really learn but to socialize, though. Its more a way for people to acknowledge each other and show respect for the things we are interested in. Its a mutual thing in that way.