101 Ways to Improve Customer Service: Training, Tools, Tips, and Techniques

Chapter 29. Crossing the Border: International Communication

Individual

When you communicate with people outside of the United States, they can find it very confusing and frustrating to encounter words or phases that are unfamiliar to them. Your choice of words can even be offensive in many cases. Also, don’t forget to drop the company jargon and acronyms that have little or no meaning to anyone outside your organization.

Actions

• Here are some examples of general phrases of which you should steer clear:

  • Slang: two-bit, nuts and bolts, ballpark figure, kick off, take it easy, the pits

  • Buzzwords: Mickey Mouse, no strings attached, monkey around, across the board, game plan, ramp up, touch base

  • Clichés: pay through the nose, beat a dead horse, dog-eat-dog, rule of thumb, full steam ahead, bury the hatchet, easy as pie, all over the map

• Make a list of jargon, slang, buzzwords, and acronyms that are specific to your organization. Post it in a prominent place and check your communication (written and verbal) to make sure you are not using them.