Say This, Not That: The Internal Comms Translation Guide by Workshop x Chris McGrath

What you’ll find in this internal comms translation guide

You’ll find everything you need to turn formal, forgettable messages into ones that actually connect:

• Side-by-side examples of what to stop saying — and what to say instead

• Real-world rewrites for common internal updates, from policy changes to culture comms

• Plain-language swaps for everyday jargon, buzzwords, and business-speak

• A build-your-own section to capture your team’s favorite “say this, not that” phrases

Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Use it before you hit send.
   Whether you’re editing an all-company update or coaching a leader’s note, scan the guide to make sure every sentence sounds like a human wrote it.

2. Start conversations, not corrections.
   Share it with leaders or teammates as a tool for growth — not a grammar lesson. It’s about sounding more real, not more “right.”

3. Make it part of your comms culture.
   Add your own examples, use them in trainings, and build a shared language that makes communication clear, confident, and consistent.

4. See what changes.
   Test new phrasing, track engagement, and notice how a few small swaps can shift how messages feel — and how they’re received.