The words and phrases you use when
speaking to groups can build rapport or trigger disconnects. That could be
based on different cultural, age, or sex perspectives.
Sometimes the gaff can seem cute. Other
times the misspoken phrase might send your audience off on a tangent. They
might be wondering what that phrase means. They might be wondering about your
credibility if you used such an out-of-date phrase. The point is that they
might be wondering many things other than accepting your intended message.
The speaker talked about Crisis Management
and how to prepare. He suggested that it was similar to noticing the engine
warning light on your car. When you see the trouble light warning you of a problem
you should take your car to the gas station to get it checked.
If you don’t understand that last
statement, you understand my point.
If you remember taking your car to the gas
station for mechanical work then you are probably reminiscing about the 1970’s
or earlier.
It was a good analogy. His mistake was in
saying that people should take their car to the gas station. It would have
worked better if he had said “take your car to a mechanic”.
This audience clearly included many people
who would not understand this analogy because they were too young. These were people
who go to a gas station to get gas, coffee, snacks and cigarettes. Those last
three items weren’t available at the gas station when you took your car there
for mechanical work.
Be aware of the analogies, phrases or
jargon that you use because these words might alienate, distance or confuse
your audience.
