GOOD IDEAS FROM CAROL - 146

My ideas this week were prompted by a programme on radio four featuring an interview with Jack Straw about the issue of historical slavery.? I’ve written about this in more detail in my email newsletter that’s coming out next Tuesday (do let me know if you’d like to receive that as well), but here’s part of what I said:

Jack Straw said it was important to distinguish between words.?? And the words he was particularly concerned about were ‘sorry’ and ‘apologise’.?? Being sorry could apply to anything – for example being sorry for people being homeless, or hungry.?? But apologising means you have taken personal responsibility.?? So we can be sorry that slavery happened (and, obviously still happens in some circumstances), but we can only apologise if we are personally responsible for it having happened – which of course none of us can be.

So here are some thoughts about language

GOOD IDEA 1

Remember that words mean things.? If your words are ambiguous or open to interpretation, people could misunderstand what you intend to communicate.

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GOOD IDEA 2

Remember that even words that sound obvious can mean different things to different people.?? For example, the word ‘family’ could mean partners and their children; it could mean an extended family including different generations and in-laws, or it could mean someone’s pets.? So find out what words mean to the person you’re communicating with, or you can end up with more misunderstanding.

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GOOD IDEA 3

Remember that words can offend people.? Personally, I think we’ve taken offence too far – there’s virtually nothing that couldn’t offend someone. However, using words you know are very likely to be offensive isn’t a good way to build relationships. ?Choose your words carefully. ?

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GOOD IDEA 4

Remember that your words reflect you, your brand and your business. Use words knowingly, so you communicate exactly what you intend.

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GOOD IDEA 5

And, finally, make your words interesting. ?If you write copy, think about the impact your words may have – and have a go at including a wider range of words which could spark curiosity or amusement, enlarge your audience’s own vocabulary and generate more interaction with your audience – a good skill to develop.

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And do let me know what you think about the subject of giving, or avoiding, offence.

?#Languageandcommunications #AvoidingGivingOffence #MeaningOfWords

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