As a communication coach, I help people speak clearly and connect with their listeners. When we’re explaining something technical, an idiom can make the message easier to grasp. And when we’re trying to make a point without sounding too direct, an idiom can paint a vivid picture.

But here’s the catch: idioms can backfire. If they’re unfamiliar or confusing, the speaker ends up working harder to get the message across, and risk losing trust or credibility in the process.

Idioms and stories both simplify complex ideas, and create mental pictures for the listener. An idiom is like compressed wisdom, a quick phrase that assumes shared understanding. A story, on the other hand, builds that understanding by showing the lesson in action. While idioms are fast and familiar, they can confuse if the listener doesn’t know the reference. Stories take a little more time, but they invite connection and leave a deeper impact. If an idiom is a spark, a story is the fire that keeps people listening.

An idiom is a phrase or expression with a meaning different from the literal words. For example, “spill the beans” means to reveal a secret, but if someone hasn’t heard that phrase before, it can leave them puzzled.

A recent Wall Street Journal article, “The Ford Executive Who Kept Score of Colleagues’ Verbal Flubs,” highlights how even experienced professionals can misuse idiomatic language, leading to confusion or unintentional humor. Mike O’Brien, a sales executive at Ford, kept track of over 2,000 verbal flubs from colleagues, phrases like “Let’s not reinvent the ocean,” or “I don’t want to sound like a broken drum here.” These moments show how tricky idioms can be when they miss the mark.

While idioms can add color and personality to our speech, they may also leave some listeners behind, especially if they’re from a different part of the world, or even just a different cultural background.

Misunderstood phrases can subtly erode our credibility and make it harder to build trust.

To communicate more clearly and inclusively:

1. Be mindful of your listeners: Consider whether your audience will understand the idioms you use. When in doubt, leave it out.
2. Use idioms wisely: They can be great tools, but only if they support your message and are easy to follow.
3. Encourage feedback: Invite questions and clarification. That openness builds connection and shows respect.

Being intentional with your language helps you connect rather than confuse. The goal is always to be understood and to make your listeners feel included.

For many professionals attending a conference, the role isn’t as a panelist or keynote speaker. Instead, your time is likely spent in a series of 30-minute meetings, introducing yourself and your company while exploring potential connections. Often, you may not even have the chance to attend the main conference presentations.

This dynamic creates both a unique opportunity and a challenge: how do you maximize the impact of those brief, high-stakes conversations, while effectively representing your firm?

Conferences offer much more than networking-they’re a powerful opportunity to sharpen your communication skills, build credibility, and position yourself for growth within your firm and the industry. As a communication coach, I outline key strategies for success that go beyond the surface.

While many dread these meetings or see them as boring and repetitive, I encourage you to look at them differently: think of them as a communication laboratory-a place to practice, refine, and build the muscle memory that strengthens your confidence for other high-stakes meetings.

Here are a few top-level tips to help you prepare, make the most of your time, and build lasting experience.

1.     Prepare Strategically for 30-Minute Meetings

Success at a conference starts before you even walk through the door. Preparation ensures that your time in those short meetings is productive and leaves a lasting impression.

• Research Attendees and Objectives – Know who you’re meeting, what their firm does, and how they might align with your firm’s goals. Preparation, not perspiration, gives you confidence and allows for more meaningful conversations.
• Nail Your Company Pitch – In two minutes or less, deliver your company’s story. What makes you unique in the market? What kinds of deals make you stand out? Highlight key areas of focus. Be bold! Record yourself and listen back to ensure you’re including the most compelling points and delivering them with confidence.
• Come Ready to Listen – Prepare thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in the other person. Great communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking.

2.     Make the Most of Brief Interactions

With only 30 minutes or less, it’s critical to be intentional and focused.

• Stay Present and Engaged – Avoid overloading the conversation with too much detail. Be concise, relevant, and actively listen to the other person’s responses.
• Use Nonverbal Communication – A firm handshake, an opening smile, confident eye contact, and open body language reinforce your professionalism and make a strong first impression. Aligning your nonverbal and verbal delivery is crucial, as we often listen with our eyes.
• Project Verbal Confidence – Your voice is a powerful tool. Use vocal inflection to emphasize key points, maintain a strong and steady volume and slow down your pace to convey clarity and authority. These small adjustments build trust and ensure your message is heard.

3.     Build Credibility, Even Without a Stage

Conferences are a proving ground, even if you’re not presenting. Use every interaction to build your professional brand and strengthen your firm’s reputation.

• Represent Your Company’s Ethos – The way you communicate reflects not just your personal professionalism but also the firm’s values. Align your messaging with the culture and strengths of your organization.
• Be a Connector – If the opportunity arises, offer to connect others or share helpful insights. Being a connector positions you as a team player and someone who adds value beyond the immediate conversation.

This mindset positions you as a thoughtful communicator and proactive leader, qualities essential for success within your firm and the broader industry.

Treat conferences as opportunities to refine your skills and build connections-you’re investing in your career and your firm’s future.

Speak with confidence!

‘Technical’ can have different meanings depending on the context. Every organization develops its own specialized jargon, which becomes “technical” when it falls outside another company’s norms. While it may be second nature to you, it can create barriers when communicating with non-technical listeners. However, with the right approach, these challenges become opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Here are three tips to help you translate complex information into something everyone can understand:

1. Simplify Your Language: Avoid jargon and break down complex concepts into simple, everyday language. Use analogies and relatable examples to clarify your points, prioritizing accessibility over expertise. Example:When explaining an IPO, say, “Imagine your favorite local bakery wants to expand and needs more money to do it. They decide to sell pieces of ownership in the bakery to the public. That’s what happens when a company goes public – it’s like selling slices of a cake to anyone who wants a taste.”
2. Know Your Listeners: Tailor your communication to the listener’s level of understanding. Research their motivations, background, and interests. Understanding your listeners allows you to craft a message that resonates, builds trust, and ensures clarity. Connecting on this level fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.
3. Consider a Communication Coach:A communication coach is an objective resource who can help translate concepts into clear, understandable language. They can create visuals that enhance your message, ensuring smooth communication. With their strategies, you’ll be better equipped to connect with non-technical listeners and ensure your message is not just understood but remembered.

Impact:By using relatable analogies and visuals, such as comparing an IPO to slicing a cake, you make complex concepts more accessible. This approach fosters better communication and alignment across teams, creating a shared understanding that makes collaboration smoother and more effective.

Focusing on clarity, understanding your audience, and honing your communication skills allow you to convey technical information effectively while fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships.