GT Media - Strategic Communications

Ever heard the expression "it's only words" or the old one about sticks and stones?

Have I got one for you...

The other day, I was chatting to a bunch of kids in my street. They were visiting a relative down the road and had come up to pat my dogs. They were four girls, aged from around 8 to 12 I guess. They fired off questions at me at a rate of knots. Are they girl dogs or boy dogs? Are they brother and sister? Where do they sleep? What do they eat? And finally, what are their names. I explained that the dogs both had REAL names like we have names, but they also had nick-names. I asked the kids if any of them had a nick-name.
"Little shit," the eldest of the girls piped up.
"Ummm..pardon?" I asked.
"Yeah, my parents call me the little shit, pain in the arse, that kind of thing."
Okay, without wanting to sound like a dowser, I thought that was terribly sad. I really did.

In our world here at the Speakeasy, we understand that words are incredibly powerful. We refute the assertion that "they're only words" because the right words, the right language will either alienate or engage your audience. They will build you up or break you down. They will get you over the bridge or burn it. One of the most important things we do with our clients is work with them to get their language right, making sure that nothing is lost in translation.

As for my little friend from down the road, well, I just hope that someone starts using different language when it comes to her.

GT