How speaking Jargon can reduce the impact you have when you speak

I read the following article in the Sunday Times yesterday and had to comment!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6493420.ece

Different groups do have their own jargon; I know that there is syntax and specific words for music; some of which are universally used to describe how to perform a particular piece of music. This vocabulary and the signs are part of the knowledge a young musician learns as part of his or her musical development, so that s/he can interpret music and composers. However, the music profession has been very good, in recent years, to 'demystify' this aspect of music, to ensure it isn't viewed as being 'elitist'.

Likewise the medical profession; which of course requires high levels of knowledge and expertise, has 'jargon' and a language appropriate for it's profession. Visiting the GP as a child was an extraordinary experience with GPs speaking to you as if you were an alien. Times have changed; again, the profession has addressed this issue and GPs and medical students are trained to communicate clearly with patients.

Why then does the Government: and Local Government speak in a more 'jargon filled' way? Speaking to teachers, they feel that they require an interpreter for some of the directives they receive from the Government. Not only does it add additional stress but it devalues their status as professionals and experts at teaching.

Possibly the Government is trying to 'put wool over our eyes' so that we don't fully comprehend what is being said. By making simple issues appear complicated, it adds power to them....

My message to you, readers, is that if you wish to engage with customers, audiences and clients, try to speak their language, or modify your existing jargon, so that they will understand. Certainly at Executive Voice, we have modified complicated technical language, and created easy to understand models and analogies to support clients. Good luck.

For more information contact Executive Voice http//:www.executivevoice.co.uk

The Impact of a new photo on Ecademy

Yesterday I received a couple of messages from contacts on Ecademy. I don't use Ecademy very much; I have a 'quiet presence'. Whilst I was checking my messages I decided to change my photo whilst I was there. Now as you can see, it is hardly "Russian Bride Catalogue"but it has generated a flurry of interest from gentlemen on Ecademy who want to "Get to know me better". I was astonished that the new photo created this rush (at the last count 33 requests after 12 hours).
Given that Ecademy is an online business tool, any visual image is particularly powerful. We have photos on websites and marketing material that create an image of the person and also one makes decisions on this.
I remember when I was offered my first teaching post in Kenya, the (appalling) headmaster admitted that his staff had chosen me because of my photo; they didn't consider my cv or interests.
A good photo can get you an appointment, or be one other method by which people make a decision about your company. It could be you have already contacted them and spoken by telephone - where an opinion has already been made, and a photo could reinforce an opinion.
Of course we are manipulated by digital enhancement, and on one level we know that it is not 'real' (sound samples of music and videos of my musicians are only an indication of the quality of their performance, but clients are able to make a quick decision on whether or not they wish to receive more information), but it is a tool for drawing in potential custom.
It is a challenge to create the right image; perhaps my image isn't right for Ecademy given the response.... but perhaps a combination of different styles of photos; portraits and action shots would be powerful.
Find out more about Executive Voice on http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

All talk and no action

I know this is quite late on but I was particularly impressed with Diversity from 'Britain's Got Talent'. Not only because they were a phenomenally talented troupe of young men, but that they had been so focused and worked so hard for their success.
Talent shows - particularly televised ones, are littered with Scouse type wannabees who with no obvious talent say "It's my dream"... "I won'it so bad"... as though there is some given right to having this "dream" fulfilled.
I cheered at the TV when the choreographer of Diversity said "This is our dream" - and then Simon Cowell said "But you have worked so hard for this and you deserve to have your dream realised". Hooray!
Unfortunately talent shows give the impression that individuals can be an overnight success; it takes a great deal of hard work to be an overnight success! Remember those people at school that swore blind that they didn't do any work - yet in hindsight it is obvious they worked extremely hard.
You can 'talk' all you like, but you have to put in the work too; words alone aren't sufficient.