I'm a web designer and developer, and I often find it challenging to communicate clearly with non-technical clients. Frequently, they use terminology incorrectly, and while I understand what they're trying to convey, I'm unsure whether I should correct them. I don't want to come off as condescending or overly technical. When I use terms like 'hero section' or 'CTA', I always try to break those down into simpler language, but sometimes it feels like it doesn't stick and they revert to their original wording. I'm curious, how do you all handle this situation? Do you correct clients or let it pass if you get their meaning? Is it better to educate them gradually, avoid technical jargon altogether, or just go with their wording? I'd love to hear your strategies and thoughts on whether this is something to really worry about or not.
1 Answer
I usually try to provide context when using technical terms. For example, I might say, "The bright red CTA button in the hero section..." This helps clients make connections without feeling overwhelmed. I find that keeping most technical discussions to email helps too, as it allows me to reference previous conversations with context intact. As an added bonus, it minimizes back-and-forth confusion in quick chats.
Haha, until they start replying in an endless loop! It's like a game of ping pong sometimes.