The point is that phrases that are common to you may  put into another context by someone else. Are there things that you say on or off the platform that are slang or unknown by everyone in your audience. Think about it. Everyone, for example, does not use AOL. So the term “You’ve got mail” [...]]]>

The point is that phrases that are common to you may  put into another context by someone else. Are there things that you say on or off the platform that are slang or unknown by everyone in your audience. Think about it. Everyone, for example, does not use AOL. So the term “You’ve got mail” may not be familiar to them. (Unless they saw the movie)

How many times have you heard phrases like “Christmas is right around the corner”? Yet, I heard a story about someone using that phrase in a presentation and someone, unfamiliar with the term, actually stood at the door looking for someone named Christmas to come around the corner.

One day I shared a joke that had the punch line “You goose will be cooked.” There was someone translating my entire presentation live in Spanish. Yet, when they gave that term I didn’t get the laughs I usually got. The translators informed me that the term was not a common one to the multiple members audience who were from different parts of Latin America.

So think carefully about your phrases, terms, etc and be sure they will be understood by everyone who is getting your powerful message. Remember, you can always explain the terms or phrases you use. After all, that is our job.