You know those moments when you feel as if you’ve put on the “dynamic corporate communicator” superhero suit and you’re all geared up to impress with your flair and persuasiveness? Sometimes, I feel I’m wearing that superhero suit, too. Until I don’t…
That’s because, every so often, right after you press “send” on a critical email, deliver a message to the Board, or begin a big speech, things go awry—spectacularly so.
Now is a good time to revisit some classic missteps in communication. We’re all aware of the best practices, yet it’s beneficial to remind ourselves periodically. We’re all human, prone to errors. And surely, none of us wants to be remembered for a major faux pas in corporate communications, right?
1. The “Jargon Jungle” Jamboree
Think loading your speech with jargon showcases your intellect? Think again! Throwing buzzwords such as ‘synergies’ and ‘paradigm shifts’ at stakeholders might just bore them to tears, rather than impress them.
Pro tip: Opt for clarity and simplicity in your language. Chances that you actually manage to resonate and help your stakeholders grasp your message will grow exponentially.
2. The “One Size Fits All” Fallacy
Crafting a universal message for all your stakeholders is a tempting idea but often backfires when your diverse audience receives content not tailored to them. Your investors might not appreciate memes aimed at your Gen Z staff, and your customers might be baffled by technical jargon meant for engineers.
Pro tip: Customize your communications for each group. It’s more effort but far better than confusing—or worse, alienating—your audience.
3. The “Ostrich Approach” to Bad News
Faced with delivering unpleasant news, it’s tempting to hide and hope it disappears. But just closing your eyes won’t make the bad news vanish. Ignoring or sugarcoating the facts can make the situation even direr.
Pro tip: Be honest and proactive in your communication. Stakeholders might not like bad news, but they’ll respect transparency.
4. The “Monologue Marathon”
Holding an audience’s attention doesn’t mean you should detail every moment of your company’s long history. Droning on will lose their attention fast.
Pro tip: Keep your communications brief and relevant. If your presentation rivals the length of an epic movie, cut it down.
5. The “Deaf Ear” Debacle
Ever asked for feedback and then ignored it? Your stakeholders remember, even if you’ve forgotten.
Pro tip: Value and respond to feedback. It not only shows respect but can also provide critical insights into your business.
6. The “Social Media Snafu”
In the digital age, it’s easy to quickly share content online. But think twice before you post something potentially embarrassing or offensive about competitors or your own company.
Pro tip: Pause and consider before you post. If it’s not something you’d advertise on a billboard, it’s probably not suitable for social media either.
7. The “Crisis? What Crisis?” Catastrophe
When a crisis hits, downplaying or ignoring it is the worst strategy. Transparency is crucial.
Pro tip: Develop a robust plan for crisis communication. Communicate clearly and frequently to manage the situation effectively.
Just keep in mind that effective corporate communication carries significant responsibilities—and risks. Avoiding these common blunders will save you from embarrassment and also elevate your standing as a communicator. So, before you proceed, perhaps run your strategy by a colleague. As that good old song says, a little 4-eye check never killed nobody. Now, go forth and communicate wisely!