Clearly Speaking…

Have you ever been on vacation and realized you forgot something crucial – like underwear?

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I were getting ready to take a trip to Chicago to visit family. As a semi-newlywed, I decided I would try to be a “good wife” and help my husband finish packing for the trip while he was busy at work. As I was packing his clothes and various necessities, I sent him a quick text to see if he had already packed underwear. “Put some in my bag” was his response.  I interpreted this as he had already put some in his bag, when in fact, his text was meant to communicate that he would like me to put some in his bag.

I’m confident in saying this is not the first case of a misinterpreted message – text or otherwise. While I could make the case that this misunderstanding was a function of improper grammar usage and the inability to convey voice inflection via text, I thought I’d use it as an opportunity to point out the critical need to always, always make yourself understood by your target audience.

While the face of communication continues to evolve, we find ourselves relying mostly (if not exclusively) on technology to exchange information and communicate key messages with our stakeholders. Now, more than ever, it is critical to take the time to carefully craft effective, straightforward messages – ones that don’t allow the possibility of misinterpretation or confusion.

In the world of public relations and public information, you sometimes only get one shot to make a positive impression – so you’d better make it good. Don’t let your message get lost just because you aren’t able to communicate it in person. Your audience can’t see inside your head or hear your voice inflection when you’re reading your message aloud in your office. It takes a good writer to develop those messages and design clear, intriguing and effective communication that is received, understood and acted upon. 

So don’t let yourself get stranded on vacation without underwear.  Make sure your messages are clearly communicated and follow up to make sure they’re understood.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/22 at 10:32 AM

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