As Realtors and salespeople, it's important that we communicate effectively and that we choose our words and phrases properly. Recently, I've heard 3 comments by various people that just "jumped off the page" so to speak and illustrate my point.
I overheard a guy talking on his cell phone in the restaurant (because he was talking loud) about a problem he was having with his truck, and he meant to say that he had no warning of anything about to happen. What he said though was "It's not like it happened overnight."
Then I heard someone commenting about a drainage issue after heavy rains and indicating they weren't sure whether it was due to the way the system was designed or if it was totally just from the rain - a natural occurrence versus one that possibly could have been prevented with better design. What they said was that they "don't know whether it's man-made or if someone is responsible for it."
Then I heard a reporter talking about the progress of one of the recent hurricanes was suggesting that "it might get all the way to a category 5 or 6." Category 5 is as high as it goes, and those storms are rare.
It's easy to say something other than what we mean when we get excited, but we need to remember that we're professional communicators and try not to let this happen to us.
----
For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.
I do get excited and talk sideways. Judges and Lawyers are great at thinking before they speak.
Good reminder. We seem to always have to be explaining something to someone who does not know what we are talking about...it would help if we do.
Russ,
It's something we all have to work at, and when we do hear or say something unusual it really stands out.
Steve
Chuck,
Good observations. Thanks for the comments. Just winging it is not a good strategy.
Steve
Hi Russ This is such a valid point since we are in a business where the displaced words can hurt us in a big way.
Good post to think about.
June,
Thanks. Words are very important to us. If we overstate or guess at something it can have large consequences.
Steve
Sometimes when I know I'm going to have to explain a complicated situation to clients, I'll take notes for myself before I call them. This helps keep my facts, and my words, straight.
Thanks for the reminder. I'm a pretty fast-talker myself. ( no sales pun intended)
I often get asked by locals if I'm from "Up North", but of course the one's from "Up North" think my accent is cute. I don't know of other people in my circle of friends and family being asked that though, so there must be a little something to it. I do try to slow down, but have to make the concious effort to do so. You're just another reminder of why, so Thanks Again.
Dianne,
Thanks for sharing the tip. That's a great idea. Anything that us deliver the message.
Steve
Toni,
We have to be heard and understood for communication to occur. Thanks for the reminder yourself. :)
Steve
I am always telling my fellow agents that "Words have meaning!" Goof ups are funny when you overhear them or someone gets caught up in a thought, but they are dangerous when they make it into and addendum or other contract.
On the the funny side of things, I used to have a co worker who goofed things up all the time. My favorites were:
"It's like half of one and 6 dozen of another."
and my personal favorite,
Trying to say that the outcome would be random, she said, "It's a crab shoot!"
We all have a bit of a communication problem; even if we say the right thing, it's easily perceived as something a little differant that what we mean.
Steve - Your posting reminds me of the years I spent in advocacy on health issues. As health consumers, those of us looking for the best health care, want to know where the studies are emanating from that we base our decisions on. They come from two distinct types of "science."
The first type of "science" is market driven science usually originating from a drug manufacturer, or some similar entity, hoping to bring product to market, while they are actualizing the possibility of profit against loss of human life, and the associated lawsuits that usually follow.
The second type of "science" is created by the lawyers and legal field in hopes of identifying fault, to sue the drug companies or health entities they hope to find blame attached to, and tap the deep pockets of!
The TRUTH may be somewhere in between - or no where at all!
Mark,
Thanks for your very well written comments. That underscores my point perfectly.
Steve
Jim,
That's why communication is so tricky. I may mean one thing and you may think I mean something else just from the same comment.
Steve
Myrl.
Sounds like that was a very challenging line of work. Thanks for your comments.
Steve
Good reminder. I tend to get over excited when I talk to my kids (wake up it's 7:30am, but it's only 7:20am) and I am sure if I am not careful it could happen in front of a client as well.
Mana,
Thanks. In our excitement, enthusiasm, or attempt to impress it's easy to mis-state something.
Steve
Steve, I always enjoy your blogs. This one made me snicker...I guess we all say dopey things like this once in a while. I typically get my mix all talked up, and realize how stupid I sounded, so I follow that with "Yep, I is a high schoooool grad-ee-it. I is edjumacated!" and laugh it off - lets the other person know that I KNOW I goofed, which helps my credibility big time.
Steve thats a terrific bit of info - say what you mean - and mean what you say - and please think before you say anything.........in a perfect world eh? :-)
Karen,
Thanks. I appreciate your comments. I like your comeback. That's good and it lightens the mood.
Steve
Liz,
Of course that's in a perfect world, but aren't we supposed to strive for perfection?
Steve
Excellent post and I think in our society we really need to think more about what we are saying ... from the media - reputable papers quoting tabloids or using them as sources, to just everyday conversations... thank you!
Shannon,
Thanks for your great comments and support. Saying the right things is important.
Steve