Speaking the same language as your audience is important. In most cases you're already speaking the literal, high-level language of your audience but it's a lot more nuanced than that. Language at a lower level is one thing that trips people up on the way to understanding. Jargon, acronyms, slang, and cultural quirks can all act as barriers to mutual understanding - which is the whole reason we communicate. These are so ingrained in us, however, that it takes effort to suppre

Last post, I went over two methods for understanding or segmenting your audience. The first was based on the influence you have over your audience - why are they listening to you in the first place? Affinity Required to listen Structural reasons Check box Someone else told them they had to Fear Legitimate interest Based on these, here are some scenarios and how to tailor your communication to that audience: Scenario 1: A (work) friend asks how they can be more secure (affinit

Tips and tricks for public speaking from a naturally shy introvert, based on years teaching public speaking.