In this QuickBites episode, you will learn why the everyday language you take for granted can inadvertently confuse, exclude, or even embarrass you in front of a diverse audience. You will get clear, practical explanations of idioms, slang, and colloquialisms — what each one is, where it can go wrong, and real-world examples of the kind of language mix-ups that derail presentations.
You will walk away knowing how to audit your language before any talk so that every audience member — regardless of their background, geography, or first language — can stay with you from start to finish. Because if your audience is busy trying to decode what you just said, they have already stopped listening.
Welcome to QuickBites — public speaking tips and techniques you can digest in five minutes or less.
Idioms, slang, and colloquialisms all have their place in talks — but there are aspects of each you'll want to consider carefully before using them with any audience.
The Problem with Idioms
Idioms are groups of words whose meaning can't be deduced from the words themselves — they carry particular meaning within specific groups, divided by geography, language, or age. "A drop in the bucket," for example, literally means one drop of liquid in a bucket, but idiomatically it means a small, insufficient amount compared to what's needed. During one of my talks with a group from China, I used the phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" — and afterward, an audience member asked me what it meant. It had stopped her in her tracks.
Slang Can Be Just as Confusing
Consider words like "shotgun" (the passenger seat in a car), "dying" (laughing or embarrassed), or "sick" (meaning great or awesome). If you're in an audience and don't know these meanings, you would be genuinely confused — and confusion means your listeners have stopped receiving your message.
You don't want your audience to miss out on part of your talk as they try to figure out what you just said.
Colloquialisms: Know Your Context
Colloquialisms — words like "gonna," "cup of coffee," or informal phrasing — are generally understood, but their appropriateness depends on the formality of your talk. A head of state might say "we're gonna get this done" to sound accessible. In a formal presentation, that same phrase might undercut your credibility.
Words That Mean Different Things in Different Places
Certain words carry completely different meanings across cultures. In the U.S., "suspenders" hold up pants; in England, suspenders are a type of lingerie. "Braces" in the U.S. are dental devices; in England, they hold up trousers. And if you're in Germany and mention taking a "stroll in the mist" — be aware that Mist in German means manure.
No matter where you speak, do your homework on the words and phrases that could create unintended meaning — or pull your audience completely out of your message.
Thank you for devouring another episode of QuickBites. Tune in Monday for another episode of Public Speaking with Peter George, and again Thursday for your next QuickBites. Until then, remember — when it comes to speaking in public, you've got this. I'll see you next time.
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