Research has shown the tone of your voice changes depending on who you are talking with.
When you talk to a child or loved one, it’s usually softer. When you talk with a stranger or enemy, it’s usually harder. Your tone even changes slightly between two people you are equally close to.
While we have some measure of control over this, it’s not as much as you think.
What we do have control over, is what words we use.
When talking about Salesforce with a colleague, you are probably able to use different wording than a CEO of a FOrtune 500 company. Your colleague is as technical as you are, the CEO is not.
Thus knowing which language to use with whom becomes an important skill. This is adaptive language.
There are several points to consider with your audience
- Their knowledge level
- The purpose why you are talking
- Your tone
- Their attention span
- Your relationship
The takeaway
Before jumping into an explanation of all the great things your consulting agency can do for a potential client, or how this new feature will save them time, consider who you’re talking to and adapt accordingly.