Learn How to Speak Like a Pro!
COI? . . . CYC? . . . DSM? . . . FOH/BOH? . . . GOBO? . . . VOG?
Say What?
As you plan your corporate event, it's easy to be confused by unfamiliar event-planning terms and onsite jargon. Fortunately, there’s help! We tapped into industry insider, communication guru, and creative video creator extraordinaire Grant Crowell to get his spin on our blog post An Event Planning Glossary: Equipment and Onsite Terms. In his video (full length below), you'll learn:
The pros and cons of using acronyms and technical terms in event production.
How to seek clarification on unfamiliar terms, and;
Best practices for using acronyms and technical terms while working with event production agencies.
Here is a quick synopsis of Grant’s video:
Why Do We Use Acronyms
Event people often must speak in shorthand with so much information they must manage and communicate efficiently, especially when time is limited.
To communicate effectively and efficiently, event producers often use acronyms, abbreviations, and other highly technical terms to refer to various aspects of their work.
What are the Benefits of Using Acronyms and Technical Terms?
They can save time and space. Acronyms and technical terms can help us convey a lot of information in a few words.
They can enhance memorability and recognition. They also show up well in text and on run-of-show documents.
They can create a sense of professionalism and expertise. They help us establish credibility and authority with our clients, partners, or stakeholders.
They can foster a sense of community and culture and help us create a common language and identity with colleagues, peers, or mentors.
When are Acronyms a Problem?
They can cause confusion and misunderstanding. Depending on the context, audience, or industry, they often have different meanings or interpretations.
They can alienate or intimidate. They can make our communication too complex or jargon-filled for our listeners or readers unfamiliar with them.
They can diminish the value or impact of our message.
How to Fix an Overdependence on Acronyms?
Consider some best practices for using acronyms, abbreviations, initialisms, and other technical terms.
Having an event production glossary handy of all likely technical terms and brand-specific names will make for much better communication.
What are the Benefits of Having a Glossary of Technical Terms?
Less clutter. Helps reduce so much back-and-forth communication.
Less confusion. Making event planning and production much smoother.
More trust. People are open to asking questions and do not feel intimidated to do so.
What are Some Tips to Get Started with an Event Glossary?
Start with a few of the essentials.
Use by choice, not out of habit.
Explain it the first few times.
Make it simple.
Include visuals.
Use analogies.
Provide context.
Make it accessible.
Encourage questions.
Conclusion
Using acronyms and technical terms in event production can be a double-edged sword. They can help us communicate more effectively and efficiently, but they can also hinder our communication if we use them incorrectly or excessively. By following our best practices, we can ensure that we use them wisely and appropriately and deliver our message clearly and persuasively to our clients and audiences.
As you plan your next corporate event, having a glossary will make for more effective and efficient communication toward having a successful onsite event experience.
For more fun education, check out our blog post, An Event Planning Glossary: Equipment and Onsite Terms
We are Stagedge, your #1 solution for all your video event production needs. Onsite, virtual, or hybrid, we’ve got your entire brand experience covered.