How to Talk like a Normal Human Being Again: The Problem of “Tech-Speak”
By Alexander Lyon, Ph.D.
One of the worst things we can do when speaking to a current or potential client is get caught up in our favorite technical lingo. Honestly, they probably don’t understand us, and, as a result, don’t care.
Why do we do it? We learn a lot on the job. We learn new technologies, abbreviations, and nicknames for complicated processes. Be become fluent. Among a select group of people, our highly technical vocabulary is the most efficient and precise way to talk.
The problem is that once we learn this new way of talking, we forget to turn it off when talking to a different audience. Our “tech-speak” becomes an unintended barrier between us and regular people.
Not convinced? Have you ever talked to a mechanic about what was wrong with your car? Ever have someone explain to you how some unfamiliar software works? Ever hear someone talk about his or her favorite science fiction movie? When we are the listener, we experience how an overly technical style of talking can bore, annoy, or intimidate others.
Peter Drucker, the legendary management expert, once said the that professionals who will be successful in the future are those who have learned to communicate effectively with people who don’t share their knowledge base. In other words, good communicators adapt their language to their audience.
How can we learn to talk like a regular human being again?
1) Admit it. As the saying goes, “The first step is admitting it.” We must admit to ourselves that it is quite likely our impressive technical vocabulary may not make much sense to anybody but the people who sit near us a work.
2) Practice talking like a normal person. We need to literally practice talking with ordinary English words about what we do. Practice on your spouse, your kids, non-work friends, and, ultimately, your clients. As Denzel Washington said when he played a lawyer in the movie Philadelphia, “explain it to me like I’m a five-year-old.” A friend of mine asks, "How would you explain it to a guy in a bar?" In other words, practice using words that everybody knows. It’s harder than it sounds.
3) Define terms. When we absolutely must use a technically specific word, phrase, or abbreviation, explain briefly what it means to your client. There are many ways to do this. Use a simple metaphor, compare it to something you know they already understand, or even sketch a simple diagram. Sometimes, we must build a bridge across the verbal ravine and walk along side the other person for a while.
Alexander Lyon, Ph.D. is a professor, professional speaker, and trainer. Visit www.alexanderlyon.com for more information.
By Alexander Lyon, Ph.D.
One of the worst things we can do when speaking to a current or potential client is get caught up in our favorite technical lingo. Honestly, they probably don’t understand us, and, as a result, don’t care.
Why do we do it? We learn a lot on the job. We learn new technologies, abbreviations, and nicknames for complicated processes. Be become fluent. Among a select group of people, our highly technical vocabulary is the most efficient and precise way to talk.
The problem is that once we learn this new way of talking, we forget to turn it off when talking to a different audience. Our “tech-speak” becomes an unintended barrier between us and regular people.
Not convinced? Have you ever talked to a mechanic about what was wrong with your car? Ever have someone explain to you how some unfamiliar software works? Ever hear someone talk about his or her favorite science fiction movie? When we are the listener, we experience how an overly technical style of talking can bore, annoy, or intimidate others.
Peter Drucker, the legendary management expert, once said the that professionals who will be successful in the future are those who have learned to communicate effectively with people who don’t share their knowledge base. In other words, good communicators adapt their language to their audience.
How can we learn to talk like a regular human being again?
1) Admit it. As the saying goes, “The first step is admitting it.” We must admit to ourselves that it is quite likely our impressive technical vocabulary may not make much sense to anybody but the people who sit near us a work.
2) Practice talking like a normal person. We need to literally practice talking with ordinary English words about what we do. Practice on your spouse, your kids, non-work friends, and, ultimately, your clients. As Denzel Washington said when he played a lawyer in the movie Philadelphia, “explain it to me like I’m a five-year-old.” A friend of mine asks, "How would you explain it to a guy in a bar?" In other words, practice using words that everybody knows. It’s harder than it sounds.
3) Define terms. When we absolutely must use a technically specific word, phrase, or abbreviation, explain briefly what it means to your client. There are many ways to do this. Use a simple metaphor, compare it to something you know they already understand, or even sketch a simple diagram. Sometimes, we must build a bridge across the verbal ravine and walk along side the other person for a while.
Alexander Lyon, Ph.D. is a professor, professional speaker, and trainer. Visit www.alexanderlyon.com for more information.
