The Language Generation Gap

I found this hilarious Ali G interview on You Tube which rather emphasised the challenge different generations have communicating! There are so many misunderstandings, and in fact, two separate conversations going on.

So what implication does that have for us: well as good communicators we need to engage people of different generations, without being patronising, cold or even incomprehensible. As we get older, we tend to be less tolerant of 'youth speak' (it's a sign of age!) but young people deserve to be listened to, understood and respected in the same way as older people.

I believe it is the role of the speaker to make it as easy as possible to be understood. So if you are using slang or technical jargon, you are alienating some of your audience. Of course the reason why some people use such terms is to single themselves out into a particular group - or generation, but it is worthwhile bearing this in mind when speaking to other generations.

So here are my top tips for addressing different age groups.

• Be aware of the audience you are speaking to; if you are speaking to mainly young people they won't respond to references that aren't relevant to them.
• Don't speak down to your audience.
• Don't adopt a 'Street Speak' just because you are speaking to younger people - remember how awful Tony Blair sounded when he adopted an Estuary accent. There is nothing worse than someone trying to be young, but who isn't!
• Be respectful to your audience. Don't speak down to them, but don't use language that alienates them.
• Engage your audience by Q and As: you will learn as much as they do and this is a good way to engage them on their level.

One extra point that should be considered, is when interviewing people. I have been told, so many times by employers interviewing for junior posts, that young people are 'unemployable'. Perhaps there is an element of forgetting what it is like to be young and inexperienced! However, I have some top tips for employers and interviewees who are facing either side of the interview desk.

For young people:

• Don't fib; it is likely that the more experienced person will see through your lies and it rather discredits you.
• Don't feel you have to exaggerate your experience; employers don't expect you to have done everything.
• Listen to the questions.
• Answer questions clearly and honestly.
• Be enthusiastic and interested! Employers are looking for potential and people wishing to learn.
• Be careful with your language and expressions; you are not talking to your friends but people like teachers, parents and your friends' parents.
• Do some research of the company and the person you are meeting; you will be able to answer questions with the company in mind and also ask questions.
• Remember to ask at least one question at the end of the interview.
• Look at the interviewer when listening to him/her and acquire eye contact.
• Practice beforehand.
• Don't be late; there is nothing wrong with being really early!
• Be smart; clean hair, shoes and nails.

For employers:

• Remember what it was like when you were young and had no experience!
• Don't expect the interviewee to know everything - particularly if they have come straight from school.
• Ask them questions about themselves; hobbies; interests; dreams. You will be able to assess how enthusiastic they are and also whether they have a positive attitude.
• Remember that they possibly have little experience - and certainly not being interviewed, so take this into account.
• An arrogant young person could be hiding a lack of confidence.
• A young person might not have been made aware of appropriate language, like, that, like OMG, is appropriate for the office environment. It is up to you how you assess whether this could be changed.
• Look for potential; prepare a list of criteria you are looking for - such as interest in the company; having prepared for their interview beforehand; punctuality.