Speak to be understood
“Language is the means of getting an idea from my brain into yours without surgery.”~ Mark Amidon
Once you start blogging, it’s likely you’ll find more and more jargon slipping into your language. Though it’s fine to use this specialized speech with others “in the know,” be conscious of relying on it as your sole form of communication. Upon hearing the words “blog,” “podcast,” “YouTube,” or “MySpace,” some people will tune out because those words don’t mean anything to them.
Speak–and write–using the language of your ideal customer, client, or audience
- At a networking event — “Here’s my card, Joe. I think that some of the articles and tips on my website would help you get a handle on those schedule challenges you were talking about earlier.”
- In your email signature — “Learn how to build an effective and inspiring work environment — practical and proven tips available at your website/blog address.”
- On your voice mail — “For specific advice on how to market your professional medical practice, visit your website/blog address.”
- In a speech — “For those of you who would like more tips and techniques for staying sane as a single parent, visit my website. I’ve written over 100 free articles that are short and easy to read in under 5 minutes each.”
- On your blog — “Receive these informative posts directly in your email inbox by joining my subscriber list. You’ll receive 2-4 emails each week to read at your convenience.”
Personally, I think that each of these examples conveys to others (a) specifically what you’re offering on your blog and (b) why it’s worth their time to visit your site. For me it’s much more compelling than simply saying/writing “Visit my blog.”
What have you done to communicate your blog’s value in a way that your ideal audience easily understands?
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[…] Link to Article youtube Speak to be understood » Posted at My Blog Coach: Simplifying the Blog […]
Pingback by University Update - YouTube - Speak to be understood — July 25, 2007 @ 8:55 am
Great read, Shonnie, and it’s a reminder for me to show my blogs purpose more up-front than I am at present.
Comment by David Airey :: Graphic Designer — July 25, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Absolutely David. You’ve got great content on your site that I believe would be useful to many small business owners, bloggers, and anyone who cares about communicating effectively online and offline.
Comment by Shonnie Lavender — July 25, 2007 @ 9:07 pm