by Randall CraigFiled in: Blog, Communication, Make It Happen TipsheetTagged as: Presentations
hru? lol, the uv tmi; gtg.
Does reading this text feel like reading another language? You may recognize this gobbledegook as text or instant messaging shorthand, used almost as an artform by those “younger” than you.
If you’ve figured it out, great, but don’t count on your parent’s (or grandparent’s) generation to decipher it. (As an aside, you probably don’t understand some of the nuances that this older generation uses either.)
If you haven’t figured it out, the message translates to “How are you? Laughing Out Loud at the Unpleasant Visual – too much information; got to go.”
Whenever we communicate with other people, their understanding of our message will be influenced by their generation. So if you really wish to be understood, use generation-relevant expressions and style. When we don’t do this, or do it poorly, we either alienate or patronize the very people we wish to influence. This is true in a meeting with your colleagues, a pitch to a prospect, or even in a job interviewer.
A cautionary note for my younger readers: using generation-relevant expressions and style is only one part of the communications mix. In formal business correspondence – or any times when you are pitching your ideas – using informal language is often a quick route to disqualification.
The next time you are in a meeting with someone much older or younger than you are, pay attention to your words and style. But don’t try to sound cool by using their lingo if it isn’t your own: you’ll sound inauthentic. Instead, be yourself and watch them closely for signs of comprehension and certainty: if you don’t see it, adjust your message and try again. KWIM? (Know what I mean?)
Does this topic resonate? Reach out to Randall: he can present it to your group. (More presentation topics) Download Randall’s professional credentials: Speaker credentials one-sheet or Management Advisory credentials.
Content Authenticity Statement: 100% original content: no AI was used in creating this content.
@RandallCraig (Follow me for daily insights) www.RandallCraig.com: Professional credentials site.
Each week, get Randall’s 60-second action-oriented insights on building your business. Curious? Read 600+ past articles.
If you are interested in receiving these each week (there is no cost), fill in your name and address below.
Δ
Contact us for more on Randall’s topics, availability, and audience fit.