“Two rashers please” asked the elderly hotel guest as Mr Rana took her order for breakfast.
Mr Rana runs a delightful hotel in Gidea Park where I was staying on business. His hotel is spotlessly clean, has off-street parking and 60 megabyte broadband. And he serves up a delicious breakfast. He’s been over here for over 20 years and speaks perfect English.
But the “two rashers” stumped him.
Having no idea what she meant, the lady quickly responded “two rashers of bacon please”
Rashers is colloquial English almost jargon and we all use it.
Last month I was working with some Generation Y’s and their sales skills and I said they might be able to earn a bob or two more with these new skills. They looked dumbfounded so I asked them quizzically, “what does that mean to you”. A haircut they replied.
Of course a bob hasn’t represented a shilling since 1971, I think, so how would they know what I meant.
We all use jargon without even knowing. If it’s used internally in your company or industry and you’re talking to industry people, then use it, as it accelerates communication.
I hope you’re completing your structured CPD as a result of your SPS from the CII?
Certain people would understand that.
But when addressing customers, spot when you’re doing it and stop it. Simple really and we already know this.
Just as I knew that waiting for Mr Rana’s rashers is well worth the delay, they’re the best in Romford.
