The other day I started listening to a podcast about a productivity subject that interests me, but I couldn’t finish it. Not because the subject was dry or the content bad but because the presenter couldn’t seem to say anything without infusing it with curse words.
I just wanted to hear about the tools and the process, but every time there was another f-bomb or scatological reference, it was so distracting, I gave up.
I’m not a prude. I’m not strictly against cursing or rough language. But context matters, and when I’m listening to what is supposed to be a professional presentation, about a professional subject, I expect it to be done professionally.
This guy didn’t and it was off-putting. His manner of speaking made him look unintelligent and I judged the value of his content (that I didn’t stick around to finish) as unworthy of my time. It cost him a listener and potentional client.
I’m sure you understand this and don’t do what this fellow did. I know you are a professional and abide by professional standards.
So why am I telling you this?
To make a point about the importance of paying attention to what you say and do in front of clients and business contacts because some of them are judging you and the value of what you offer by what you say and how you conduct yourself.
It doesn’t mater how rough your audience might be, as professionals, we need to operate at a higher level.
Rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it in open court, don’t say it on stage or on YouTube.
But cursing is only one area we need to watch. I always have to look over my shoulder when I try to be funny and, too often, come off looking juvenile.
And, as I’ve mentioned before, politics is the third rail of interpersonal communication. Unless you have a political channel or have built your following based on who and what you support, or denounce, do yourself a favor and don’t go there.
Just don’t.
Religion? Lifestyle choices? Even something as seemingly innocuous as which celebrities you like and which ones you wish would stop talking, be careful.
There are a lot of opinionated people in the world and many are ready to “cancel” anyone who doen’t agree with them (especially lawyers, yes?), and you don’t need any of that.
This isn’t about pandering or being excessively timid. It’s about doing your job. It’s about knowing what’s important and what isn’t, and avoiding unforced errors.
I’m pretty sure nobody has refused to hire you because you didn’t curse enough or talk about politics enough. If you have a choice, and you always have a choice, don’t let anything get in the way of doing your job.
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