You Sound Old - 3 Ways to Take Some Years Off That

 You use, without thinking, the phrase "getting our ducks in a row." Generation Zers in the office might roll their eyes. But not because they size you up as "old." Their dismay probably is that you sound so old-line "corporate." They don't welcome looping into that kind of linguistic set.

However, what does make you a target for being classified as "yesterday" is referring to a slide deck as "PowerPoint."  That elicits cringe.

Talk is a fluid medium, always changing. So, how can you keep on top of all that so that you don't present yourself as aging, therefore irrelevant and soon enough on the list for those who need to be encouraged to exit?

One way is to run your key phrases by the youth in your personal networks. Ask their candid input. Some call that "the giggles test." You will quickly know what to leave out, based on if they treat what you're saying and how you're saying it as a joke. Public affairs guru Bob Dilenschneider coined that concept of "giggles test." 

Another guide is to follow the establishment media. Pick up what language is okay in a business context. Remember you are not trying to be a youth influencer on TikTok. Your objective is to present yourself as relevant.

A third tactic is to use Reverse Mentoring. That's common with technology. Apply it to talk. You can select a Gen Zer with whom you feel comfortable. Have them audit your use of professional and social language. In exchange you provide insight how the game really works. 

There is a force field gathering around aging issues. A mission is to prolong the working years of those over-50. Bias, though, is embedded in recruiting, promoting and terminating. So, watch what you say. 

I help with all your communications. That ranges from coaching to strategy and research to writing and editing. Complimentary consultation. Please contact Jane Genova at 203-468-8579 (texting and phone) and janegenova374@gmail.com.



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