Surprisingly, this doesn't change as we grow up. We each enter conversation with limitations and gaps in our knowledge base. And yet, people often use technical or jargon-laden language at networking events. 

The listener smiles politely, but has no real understanding of what is being said. The result - Instead of focusing on the message and how they can help you, they are thinking about their next client, next conversation or possibly a lovely pastry with a cherry on top.

Just for practice, before you head out to your next networking event, imagine you are about to enter a 2^nd grade classroom, and the teacher has asked you to tell the children what you do!

If you can simplify the message for an audience of 10 year-olds, you can find something somewhere in between for a room full of adults. Use these simpler, shorter sound bites at the next networking event you attend. You may be surprised to find the shorter answers and simple explanations are more likely to generate a response or question from the listener.

And because your listener has a frame of reference for your commnets, you may end up with more referrals, more sales, and the occasional cherry!