Speaking in Acronyms

Have you noticed how we all speak a different language these days? I don’t mean cultural or regional languages but rather a language that relates to what we do on a daily basis?

I mean, even VA or Virtual Assistant, is something that’s common to those in the industry or those who use VAs, but what about those who don’t yet know what that means? And then there’s computer geek, smilies, emoticons, SMS language and so on.

I sent my husband an SMS today letting him know that I won’t be able to cook dinner for him as I’ve been really busy and have to go out shortly so asked if he could do with a WW meal instead? My girlfriends and I know what that means, but hubby, being an IT consultant and engineer immediately thought that had something to do with the world, or wide, or web…. 🙂 and rang me immediately to find out what it was. WW stands for Weight Watchers and I have a number of frozen meals in the fridge in case we need them – they’re always tasty and healthy, not full of fat, and more filling than regular TV dinners. I had to laugh as it didn’t occur to me he didn’t know what that meant although he’s had a few of these meals at work from time to time.

Which leads me to my point – when communicating with prospective clients, and even those you’ve known for a while, it’s always important to spell out in full what you mean and don’t leave it to chance they understand the language you’re using – unless you BOTH use it all the time. Makes for less problems and misunderstandings! KMT

acronyms, SMS, languages