Have you ever met someone who used words you did not understand? I am sure you have because I know I have. These words seem like they are fresh out of a dictionary and you would certainly need one to know what they meant. Or, on the other hand, the person may be using slang terms and unusual phrases which don’t make sense.
In any event, even though they may be using proper English, they are not communicating effectively if you do not understand them. And if they are not understood, just think how this is effecting their business and personal relationships.
Here are some quick tips to help avoid communication difficulties in your initial contact with someone:
- until you get to know who you are speaking to, use more conversational, common, everyday language
- don’t assume a colorful turn of a phrase or a slang term is understood by all since it may be understood only regionally or in a particular group
- in business, don’t use company terms or abbreviations with customers or other colleagues outside your company.
Everyone wants and needs to be understood. Learn to be flexible with your words and conversations. Use the words which work, fit the situation and person being spoken to. It is a very effective communication skill, as well as an interpersonal relationship skill, to master which will serve you and the people you come in contact with over and over.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Lol…. Very good posting Elaine. I specialize in communication inside of companies and we tell people, “Communication is the response you receive”. So when the response to your colorful phrase is way off target, or worse, a blank stare you can be sure that your message was not communicated.
I had a friend who took great pride in his robust vocabulary and took pains to add new words to his speech every day. The problem was that none of us knew what he was talking about. Some people asked him to clarify while others just ignored him.
Speak so as to be understood…. that’s a good message.
Keep up the great work.
Dave
Dave Meyer´s last blog ..Why Don’t More Companies Engage Their Employees?
I too specialize in communication, specifically helping people experience how the words they use create or disrupt connection and write about experiences in my blog Words that Work (http://www.right-line.com/blog). Jargon disrupts connection as do words that not everyone understands.
With my background working in IT and academia, I can be a bit sloppy and use $10 words, as Elaine reminds me. And given the economy saving money on my word choice might help me connect with more people during the first conversation.
Thanks Elaine.