The perception and interpretation of words can be just as interesting as the differences in visual perception. As professional communicators, it is imperative that we are clear in our messages. Some others are not so careful:
Spotted in a toilet of an office:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.
In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT.
In a department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS.
In an office:
WILL THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEPLADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.
In an office lunchroom:
AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD.
Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING – BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?
Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS.
Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.
Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
Notice in a field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.
Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS.
On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR; THE BELL DOESN’T WORK).
Find MORE confusing signs at www.ThisIsBroken.com…
— Ron Stone
— Stephanie Syphrett
— Marketing Communications Manager
— Jeff Hood, Operations Manager
— eBusiness Manager
— Richard Aguirre, AIPN Director 2007-2010
— Ruth Rausaw, Manager of Recruiting
— Michael Pinckert
— Rene Hubbard, Sr. HR Manager
— Director of Public Affairs
— Paula Jemison
— Michael Devereux