Watch Your Language 5 Tips

Writen by Julia O'Connor

Have you ever been befuddled by words you don't know – but think you should? Or overheard conversations you know you should not?

What if you are the offending party? In most cases you are not aware of being a boor. Note - according to the dictionary, a boor is a rude or insensitive person – and geez, you might be boring as well.

Whether you are on the road, at a trade show or in general business situations, here are 5 Quick Tips to help you watch your language -

KEEP IT CLEAN –
You never know whom you will offend with sexist or racist jokes or remarks, a potty mouth or derogatory gossip. Client? Potential client? Employees? We expect situations to be neutral and we have long memories of those people who make us uncomfortable.

WHAT is XYZ –
Every industry has its Jargon. There are inside-the-industry or company buzzwords, abbreviations and snippets of phrases. Sure, you know what it means, but it could confuse new employees or clients. Can you explain the jargon in simple words?

WELL – DUH –
Select the five most difficult questions you have been asked. Pass them around the office. Find accurate, easy-to-remember answers.

I'M ON THE PHONE –
And everybody can hear you. When in public, is a phone call considered private? NO. If I can hear you I have no obligation not to listen. Personally, I have heard waaaay too much private and company information from cell phone yakkers. Like what, you say? So watch what you say or it could snap back on you or your firm.

BE POLITE –
Rush, rush, rush – what happens? Manners drop by the wayside and we expect everyone to understand if we are rude or just seemingly disconnected. But we miss those nicities, they are the social lotion that helps us through situations. So, say Please, Thank You, You are Welcome. We appreciate it.

Julia O'Connor - Speaker, Author, Consultant - writes about practical aspects of trade shows. As president of Trade Show Training, inc,, in business since 1995, she works with companies in a variety of industries to improve their bottom line and marketing opportunities at trade shows.

Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show environment and uses this expertise in sales training and management seminars. Contact her at 804-355-7800 or check the site http://www.TradeShowTraining.com