When communicating technical details, remember who you are talking to. Alter industry specific jargon to match the audience. I don’t mean use “clean” language with the customer, instead of the foul language you let fly with a subcontractor. No, actually you should have only one way of talking; whether around the client, front office, subcontractor codes official, company president or your kids; that is clean and respectful.
Depending on your audience, anticipate the need to present some of your information a little differently to help them understand.
My case in point – literally. When I was teaching Polish construction workers Western framing methods, (see My Hardest Job Ever) I often found the most effective form of communication was pointing, gesturing or sketching something on a piece of lumber. This was actually more effective than using the interpreter.
A second example can be found at Blog-A-Build on my WikiHomebuilding.com website. This blog is for someone with a curiosity about what goes on behind the scenes as a home is being built. Terms are explained in simple language and a fair amount of pictures and slideshows are utilized.
A third example of altering the message to suite the recipient would be anyone of a number of articles I authored as Editor at WikiHomebuilding.com Here it is anticipated that the audience wants to learn something from the article, so more technical information is provided. Fewer pictures are used. The wording is not quite the same as two industry pros having a conversation; it’s toned down just a little.
Links to some articles:
Find a Builder Series – Find the Right Homebuilder-Getting Started–Part 1 of 5
Find a Realtor Series – Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction? — Part 1 of 5
Foundation –
Frame –
