What’s in a Name?

'What's in a name' is a challenge that's asked frequently. And it's in the news again this week. Because we hear that the Royal Navy has changed some names for key Royal Marines training exercises. Now we've considered the efforts of the language police before. Too often, perhaps. Well, now it't all about the names. And what's in a name is a real thing.

Just think of Jacob Rees-Mogg patrolling Whitehall aiming to eliminate woolly language and sloppy protocols at the heart of government. He certainly had a good attempt. But it proved ineffectual. Because the problem is deep-rooted.

Then we also looked at how language is contorted, twisted even by public speakers with their speeches written by Whitehall apparatchiks. Well, this story is slightly different since the Royal Navy has been caught red-handed. Since, apparently they've changed language to dissipate any perceptions of offence. Apparently the elite Royal Marines commando force is nowadays all about diversity and equality, and not engaging the enemy. Oh well.

Thus they have changed the key Royal Marines training exercises as follows:

Still we know that Royal Marines recruitment is struggling right now, though not as much as the armed forces generally. So, if the China-friendly Mandarins in Whitehall reckon their 'inclusive' language will lead to greater numbers of recruits volunteering to serve, then they are likely to be disappointed. But, is that the plan? Who knows?

In the meantime, when it comes to your own public speaking language, tell it straight, be direct and don't obfuscate your meaning. That's because you're in the communications game. Not the Great Game.

When you need public speaking and presentation tips, then you'll discover more than 100 top tips for speakers and presenters here at Time to Market. And when you really want to take direct action with your own public speaking, then you're always welcome to enroll on an online public speaking course.