Marketing Across Generations: Stop Talking to Everyone the Same Way

Cracking the Code of Generational Communication

I don't know if you've ever taken time to try and understand "the yutes," but it is the epitome of chaos, confusion, and the peak of making you feel ancient. Kids are literally running up and down hallways shouting inside jokes you don’t understand or talking about “rizzing up” their classmates.

Not following me?

You’re not alone.

But here’s the thing - this is exactly what our parents (and their parents) experienced, too. Slang isn’t new. It’s generational. Every generation develops its own language, its own way of signaling belonging, and its own way of communicating with peers.

And if you’re a marketer, that matters - a lot.

Generational communication styles aren’t just fun looks into the past and a way to make fun of how our parents talked. They’re the key to smarter, more effective marketing.

Why Generational Communication Matters

Each generation has unique triggers, preferred communication channels, and decision-making styles. Understanding these differences helps you remove friction in your messaging and connect with your audience faster.

If you (or your company) don’t take the time to step back, observe, and understand how they communicate, how can you create messaging that resonates?

This doesn’t mean you need to start using their slang in your emails. In fact, nothing will turn away your target audience faster than a brand forcing slang where it doesn’t belong.

That said - if you understand your brand voice and your audience, you can use generational language strategically when it fits.

How Each Generation Communicates

Baby Boomers

Prefer direct, formal communication. Trust authority and clarity.

• Channel: Email still works — keep it professional and no-nonsense.

• Takeaway: Give them clear next steps and value upfront.

• Slang: “Back in my day,” “Burning the midnight oil,” “Don’t fix what ain’t broke”

Gen X

Skeptical and independent. Appreciate efficiency and transparency.

• Channel: They’ll read your message but expect data to back it up.

• Takeaway: Skip the fluff, show the ROI.

• Slang: “Whatever,” “Talk to the hand,” “As if”

Millennials

Value authenticity and personalization.

• Channel: Omnichannel natives - text, socials, email - all fair game (just don't cold call them.)

• Takeaway: Storytelling and social proof convert best.

• Slang: “Adulting,” “Side hustle,” “Squad goals,” “On fleek”

Gen Z

Visual-first, low attention span - but highly engaged when interested.

• Channel: Prefer short-form, interactive content (TikTok, Reels, Stories).

• Takeaway: Lead with relatability and speed.

• Slang: “No cap,” “Bet,” “It’s giving,” “Delulu”

Gen Alpha

Still forming - but already hyper-digital, meme-driven, and chaotic.

• Channel: YouTube, Roblox, TikTok - highly visual, gamified content wins.

• Takeaway: Think interactive and snackable.

• Slang: “Skibidi,” “Fanum tax,” “Ohio memes”

How This Impacts Decision-Making

So what does this mean for your strategy?

Knowing where they are and how they communicate is only half the battle - those preferences directly influence how they make decisions.

Take two seemingly opposite generations:

• Gen Z: Collaborative, peer-influenced decisions

• Boomers: Independent, research-heavy decisions

Everything about how you communicate with them - and when - will be different. Their lifecycle journeys won’t look the same. And your initial contact can make or break the entire funnel.

Tailoring every step in the funnel starts with knowing who they are and how they talk.

Starting to see a theme yet?

The Risk of Ignorance

Companies that ignore generational nuances waste budget, miss conversions, and burn out their audiences. Nobody wants redundant, irrelevant messages - that’s a fast track to the unsubscribe button.

Remove the friction, understand your audience, speak their language - and your messages will cut through the noise.

Otherwise? You’re just shouting into the generational void.