Words they don’t know.
You make them feel Stupid!
NO Buzz Words, Acronyms, or Techno-Speak!
The goal of all communication; verbal, written, or visual is the same. We want the audience, as quickly as possible, to GET IT! They may not agree with everything we said. They may not agree with anything. But if they don’t GET IT! it’s hard to have a meaningful discussion going forward.
If you are using words they don’t understand you will quickly lose them.
Many occupations, generations of people, industries, clubs, and geographical areas use words and phrases when speaking to each other strangers often don’t comprehend.
When these words are used in a speech to “outsiders,” the message can be hard to make sense of, and sometimes misinterpreted or lost. And if someone has trouble understanding your message, they’ll give up trying and won’t “GET IT!”
Even if you are speaking to people in the same industry, some language common to you may be new to them. How long have they been in that position and what is their work history? Those acronyms and buzzwords might have different meanings in their world than in yours.
Plain simple language RULES!
Example: I work with some people in the financial industry. They’ll be presenting to prospects and customers and talk about ETFs, mutual funds, and derivatives. People are sitting in the audience, nodding their heads up and down like they grasp everything. Many don’t! They won’t work with those advisers they don’t understand. Who likes feeling stupid?
We see the Emperor with no clothes; but no one says anything.
Saying THIS to your audience early in your presentation will help them better
“My industry, like many or yours, has buzzwords, acronyms, and language many outside it won’t find familiar and may not understand. It’s my job to make sure my message is understood and I will strive to do that.
So I can best accomplish this goal I need an agreement with each of you. If you hear anything you’re not 100% sure of its meaning, you’ll raise your hand so I can explain it. (Raise your hand and continue) I am not moving forward till all hands are raised!”
Wait till all hands are lifted, then continue your talk. You have given permission to not understand and let you know.
In formal and informal presentations and in your elevator speeches:
DO NOT USE buzz words, acronyms, and techno-speak.
Do that, and I guarantee: Your next presentation will be absolutely, positively–
About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know:
We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
- Keynote Speaker
- Workshop Facilitator
- Breakout Sessions
- Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
- Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
- Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
- Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
- We are All Self-Employed!
Contact me: firstname.lastname@example.org