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Geek Speak: Can You Handle It?

Tips on How to Effectively Communicate with the IT Department


Do you know how to geek speak?



I’m not trying to stereotype or generalize here but I’m actually referring to the vernacular most often used by people who are very adept in using computers – just like the people in your IT department. The reason why I’m asking is because sometimes I find it difficult to communicate with IT guys because I really have some tough time understanding this geek speak. Therefore, I did a little bit of research and some trial and error to find out how I can best communicate with them. Let me share to you some tips on how to handle this situation without having to go to a computer school or wracking my brains out and I’d like to call this mnemonics as AWARE.



Ask. How do you know it is geek speak? Let me give you a hint. It sounds like normal English except that sometimes it doesn’t quite make sense because some of the familiar words have new meanings. Still confused? Here’s an example, “Please check the email thread for the resolution of the issue.” In this case, a thread is not a thin strand of cotton but a list of responses to a message (in this case, an email). But sometimes the situation isn’t as simple as this one. Thus, the best thing to do is to ask. Do not be afraid to ask what the IT specialist meant because they are the experts! If there’s anyone who can best explain what a device does or how a certain program functions, they are the best people to go to.



Put it into plain Words. Say you have a problem with your computer or printer; you have to contact someone from IT if you don’t know how to fix it, right? Whether you need to either call them or create an email or a service request, there’s one important thing that you must do – explain the problem in plain words. IT specialists don’t really expect users like us to know every single jargon and function there is. So we need to explain the situation in simple terms; describe the issue as if you’re telling it to another friend or colleague. Why do we need to put it into layman’s term anyway? Because this helps our IT partners visualize the situation and this of course, leads to better understanding and faster resolution of the problem.



Apply. The best way to retain a newly-learned word or process is through applying it. Make use of what you have learned whenever you have the opportunity! Use it when you need to talk to the IT personnel (whether in person, email, or over the phone). You can also use it during discussions and help others understand what you mean. By creating a culture of people who are knowledgeable in using jargons and are able to explain it in simpler terms, you are enabling not only yourself but also your team, helping them become comfortable and confident in using geek speak.



Repeat. If you really want to be an expert in terms of communicating with the IT department, then you have to practice. Make asking, translating the issue into plain words, and applying what you have learned a habit. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become speaking the language and your communication with them becomes even more effective. Besides, wouldn’t it be cool if you knew how to effectively communicate, not only with your colleagues and clients but with the most techie and internet-savvy people in the company? This is also a good way to build relationships with the people within the company.



Educate. Aside from learning on your own, teach it to others as well. Share what you have learned to your colleagues and direct reports so that they would also benefit from this. Think of it this way, the more people who know how to speak their language, thus the less time it will take for IT to resolve any problems or help out in any situation. There’s no need for them to send repeat emails or make phone calls to ask for further details. We know that time is money. The time spent by a user and an IT specialist talking or composing an email (if not eliminated), will be reduced. Thus, the time saved can be used by both people in other meaningful activities.



The examples I have provided here are rather simple but they usually happen everyday. You can still apply this most especially in more complex situations. There is no secret or special training needed to be able to communicate with our geek speakers but it will not hurt if we become AWARE of how they use it and how we can adapt to it.

Maria Elena Duron, CEO, Buzz to Bucks, broadens the network of busy people through effective social marketing strategies. Buzz to Bucks provides online profile management services, social management and reputation management - helping key employees to establish higher visibility and provide consistency in branding as well as establishing the expertise in their industry for entrepreneurs.


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