
Vancouver, BC – written January 21, 2025 – Networking events often highlight a key challenge: explaining what we do in a way that truly connects with others. Have you ever introduced yourself, only to see confusion in someone’s eyes? It happens when we use industry jargon, overly complex terms, or assume others already know what our role entails.
The ability to articulate our work clearly and concisely is more than just a useful skill—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
✅ It Builds Connection: Clear explanations foster understanding, making it easier to find common ground and create meaningful relationships.
✅ It Sparks Opportunity: If someone outside your industry understands what you do, they’re more likely to recognize ways you can collaborate or add value.
✅ It Inspires Confidence: Whether talking to potential clients, colleagues, or even friends, being able to explain your role shows expertise and self-awareness.
But there’s another layer to this challenge: cross-cultural communication. In a globalized world where we often interact with people from different countries and cultures, being clear and adaptable in how we explain our work is even more important.
Different countries often have unique ways of describing similar concepts. A job title or industry term that’s familiar in one region might mean something entirely different elsewhere—or might not exist at all. For instance, the term “consultant” can evoke vastly different roles depending on whether you’re in North America, Europe, or Asia. Similarly, expressions like “project management” or “digital transformation” might resonate differently across linguistic and cultural barriers.
When communicating across cultures, it’s crucial to:
- Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume your audience knows industry-specific terms or acronyms.
- Adapt to Your Audience: Be mindful of language barriers and choose words that are universally understood.
- Listen and Learn: Pay attention to how others describe their work and adjust your explanation accordingly.
Consider, for example, how some English words can cause confusion in German. The word “gift” in English means a present, but in German, it means poison. You definitely don’t want to promise to give your German colleague a “gift” without clarifying what you mean! Similarly, “chef” in English refers to a professional cook, but in German, “Chef” means boss or manager. Another example is “fabric,” which means cloth in English but translates to “Fabrik” in German, meaning factory.

Whether you’re at a networking event, on an international Zoom call, or introducing yourself to a new team member, clarity is key. By practicing how to describe your work in simple, relatable terms, you’ll build stronger connections—no matter where in the world you’re communicating.
What are your experiences with explaining your work, especially across cultures? Let’s start a conversation!