Mind your language

Have you noticed how different groups and organisations have their in-phrases that everybody uses, that don’t mean much at all to others outside the group?

During my time as Cabin Crew, one of our in-questions was ‘Are you going or have you been?’ meaning, are you about to go out on a trip of have you just arrived home.

When stopped for speeding on the airport perimeter road by a policeman and asked where I was going, my default reply was ‘I’m not going anywhere. I’ve just been.’

‘Now we must be going somewhere, mustn’t we?’ he said, in that semi-amused semi condescending way police officers often have.

He clearly didn’t know Air Crew speak.

Back on sensible street, the conversation continued and I was allowed on my way with a warning.

It’s the same when you’re addressing an audience. Make sure that your phrases and language match theirs. If they’re not in your industry, avoid using industry jargon, acronyms or in-speak.

Don’t risk leaving them, or you, feeling stupid.

Need help with putting your speech together? Let's have a chat.

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Rachel Maunder is a communication skills and speaker coach and professional speaker.

She has been in the world of competent communication, in different guises, for more than 30 years so has a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to pass on to her clients, both through her signature programmes and her own presentations.  

You can find out more about her coaching programmes here and about her speaking topics here.