Today, event professionals need to be more aware of how they use language and how guests may receive that message. To help attendees feel more comfortable, experts suggest being open and transparent in all communication, while incorporating positive and clear language in your messages.
Per popularscience.com, anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the U.S. This problem affects 18 percent of the population, according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Social anxiety alone affects about 6.8 percent of the population and is equally common among men and women. Even more people feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar public situations, such as cocktail parties and networking events.
You can help your guests, and your community, feel more at ease by simply changing the way you communicate.
Be Transparent
- Practice honesty by being upfront about any issues that arise.
- Communicate quickly. Whether on twitter, through e-mail or some other medium, delivering updates promptly reduces uncertainty and relieves anxiety.
- Create a trusting bond. Transparency evokes feelings of being included.
Use Emojis
- According to a Carleton University study, the use of emojis can make for a less ambiguous message and relieve the anxiety of having to decipher one’s feeling through text.
- An occasional smiley-face emoji will make your message seem more positive.
Remain Positive
- In a world of unknowns, things are bound to go awry. Don’t let that be the gist of your message.
- Add a constructive note to messaging whenever possible.
