Simple words – strong message

This article at Training Zone  about using simple language reminded my of my coaching training.

I learned to coach as part of the Columba1400 International Leadership programme. We learned in groups of 3 and at any time one person coached, one was coached and the other observed. Feedback from the coach and coachee was topped up( if needed) by the observer.

My assigned coach in this threesome was a young man, Alan, who was 19 ( at that time the same age as my daughter!) The way the group was structured meant that I was coaching a colleague. We set off on the first real live coaching session having had 3 days of preparation work.  I asked good open questions ( or so I was told in the feedback) and my coachee flowed. We immediately engaged ( good body language) and things seemed to be going on just fine when Alan asked if he could interrupt. We were still learning so that was fine. He floored us with

“I have no idea what you two are talking about”

My colleague and I were stopped in our tracks. We had immediately gone into “corporate speak” – something that would be recognised throughout our organisation. His comment though made us really think . Although that was the language we used did everyone really understand? Was there maybe even an element of “Emperor’s new clothes” about it?

We started again, using language that was simple and straightforward. The outcome was great and Alan’s feedback reflected this.

So the next time you are in full flow using the kind of language you normally use in a business/work context – maybe in a presentation, communication to clients, meeting situation –  stop for a moment and think about how clear the message is. If you can make it clearer by using shorter, simpler words – why don’t you give it a try? There just might be someone listening  who has no idea what you are talking about and who will choose therefore to speak to someone who they do understand.