The reason? She had her ice lolly pyjamas on instead of her cupcake ones. An understandable upset, but difficult to decipher quite what was causing her earth-shattering distress when you have a naked, snot-smeared, flailing and wailing nearly-three-year-old stood in front of you, screaming incoherently, all while you’re trying to dish up a shepherd’s pie.

Confusing messaging, delivered haphazardly, is always a pain in the arse. You might know exactly what you want (she did), but failing to communicate it well could well leave recipients at best scratching their heads, at worst sobbing over mince, potato and veg… either way, it’s not going to do anyone any good.

The lightbulb moment when you work it out (‘CUCPCAKE JAMMIES! Somebody go and find them! I’m in the middle of doing the peas!’) is glorious, and as a parent, you will always persevere to get there… but as a customer, would you bother?

Getting your company message right, in a tone that resonates, is key to development and retention. If you’re struggling to make your voice heard, give us a shout – dinner is dished up and we’re ready to go!