Most systems discussion could benefit from the use of a whiteboard. Most systems discussion devolve to describing a few key structures that are better represen

Most systems discussion could benefit from the use of a whiteboard. Most systems discussion devolve to describing a few key structures that are better represented graphically. Think protocol sequence diagram, flowchart, logic table, state machine, stacked graph. It's actually your fault for demanding a verbal answer to a graphical question, and rejecting the feedback you receive. Additionally, highly-educated folks are trained to do this because it is a popular way educators verify comprehension, since asking a verbal question about a graphical fact simplifies the process of "hiding" part of the solution, and verifying that it's been comprehended rather than regurgitated.