On Blondie’s 1978 hit single, Hanging On The Telephone, Debbie Harry’s vocal delivery is all sass and self-confidence.

Her message, sung with righteous indignation, is clear: “How dare you not pick up when I’m calling?”

But many people don’t realize this song is a cover version. And the original, by The Nerves, tells a different story.

Unlike Blondie’s anthem, it’s not self-assurance we hear in Jack Lee’s sung complaint. It’s vulnerability and desperation.

Like his entire self-worth is tied to his call being answered.

Same song, same words. Completely different meaning.

This nuance in how your message’s delivery style affects the way it’s perceived isn’t limited to music.

It’s present in every form of communication from business messaging to friendly banter.

And it’s especially important in marketing copy.

Because the words are only surface-level. What really matters is the meaning behind them, the way they’re presented, and how clearly your message communicates to the reader.

So, ask yourself this: Is your brand voice and messaging confident and compelling?

Will it make someone want to pick up the phone and connect with you?

Or is it distant, needy, and off-base?

Do you even know?

Because when you work in your business every day, it’s hard to see things from your customer’s perspective.

→ The things that aren’t clear.

→ The things that are putting people off.

→ The things that are costing you sales.

What you should do about it . . .

Fixing these leaks is hard to do internally. You really need a fresh pair of eyes from outside your business to review your messaging.

Someone who can help you hear what you’re really saying (not what you think you’re saying) and make the little tweaks to your ads, emails, and web copy that create big conversion boosts.

If you’d like a quick brand voice and messaging audit to see where you might be missing the mark and leaving money on the table, drop me an email with “brand audit” in the subject line. I’d be happy to help.

(And go give that Nerves song a listen if you’re unfamiliar with it. It’s at least as good as Blondie’s version. Maybe even better.)