Daily Boost Show Notes - Episode 5048

Secret to Making Yourself Understood

Host: Scott Smith

Episode Description

In this engaging episode, Scott Smith shares a powerful lesson he learned while speaking to 1,000 martial arts school owners in Las Vegas. When faced with an audience speaking multiple languages, Scott discovered a universal truth about effective communication - you must speak the language of your listener.

With his trademark humor and straightforward style, Scott reveals why "inside language" and technical jargon create barriers instead of connections. Through a brilliant demonstration that had the entire room counting to ten in different languages simultaneously, he illustrates how impossible it is to connect when we're not speaking a common language.

Whether you're trying to communicate with clients, children, or a spouse, this episode provides practical wisdom on how to meet people where they are and join the conversation already happening in their minds. This skill transforms relationships in both business and life.

Featured Story

While speaking at a martial arts convention in Las Vegas, Scott faced an audience of 1,000 people who spoke different languages. To demonstrate the communication barrier, he had several school owners introduce themselves in their native languages, then asked everyone to count to ten simultaneously. The resulting cacophony of voices in dozens of languages perfectly illustrates his point: if you want to connect with someone, you must first speak in a way they can understand, not in your "inside language" or technical jargon.

Key Takeaways

Communication breaks down when we use "inside language" or technical jargon that others don't understand
To connect effectively, meet people where they are in their journey
Join the conversation happening in the other person's mind, not the one in yours
Use words and phrases that are meaningful to your listener, not just to you
The most potent question when facing challenges is "What can I do?"
Taking time to reflect on how your life is going is essential homework
Clarity in self-communication is the foundation for clear communication with others
Not communicating is communicating something by default
Simple, clear language reaches more people than complex terminology
If you can't communicate what you want, others can't help you get there

Memorable Quotes

"How do you expect anybody that you do business with to understand what you're saying if they can't understand what you're saying?"

"Communication is everything in this world. If you cannot communicate what you're all about, how will anybody help you get there?"

"If you don't take action, that's an action. If you don't say anything, that's saying something."

Scott's Three-Step Approach

Meet People Where They Are: Recognize and respect your listener's current level of understanding
Join Their Conversation: Enter the conversation already happening in their mind, not the one in yours
Use Their Language: Choose words, examples, and explanations that are meaningful to them, not just to you

Connect With Scott

Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Email: support@motivationtomove.com

Main Site: https://motivationtomove.com

Courses

Face Your Passion

9-Minute Clarity Code

Free Resource

Perfect Week Planner

Daily Awareness Diary Template

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Bonus: Dani’s Listening, Episode 2