Communication skills with Gen Z: Understanding the language of the new generation

Date: 2025.09.08

1. Communication skills with Gen Z: Speaking their language

Have you ever felt like you’re facing a language barrier with people born after 1997? When they say “flex”, “trolling”, or “showing off”, do you know what they mean? This is a common communication challenge in today’s digital age.

Generation Z — born between 1997 and 2012 — is entering the workforce and becoming a dominant consumer group. By 2025, Gen Z in Vietnam is expected to reach 14.7 million people, making up about 30% of total consumers and 21% of the workforce (Vietnam.vn).

Understanding how to communicate with Gen Z isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s a key factor for success in work, business, marketing, and modern social relationships.

2. Where does Gen Z language come from?

Gen Z language didn’t emerge naturally. It was shaped in the digital era, where information spreads at lightning speed and creativity is a form of personal identity.

According to The Gen Z Hub, their communication style often features:

– Brevity: They convey many ideas with just a few words.

– Visual cues: Heavy use of emojis, icons, GIFs, and memes to convey feelings.

– Fast-paced exchanges: Preferring ongoing, quick interactions without long pauses.

In Vietnam, Gen Z overwhelmingly uses Facebook (97.1%), followed by Zalo (80.9%) and YouTube (75.7%) (DataReportal, 2025). TikTok plays a central role in shaping trends and short-form humor.

These platforms are becoming fertile grounds where their unique language grows and spreads.

3. Unique traits in Gen Z communication

a. Multimedia language and symbols

Gen Z doesn’t just use words but also combines emojis, GIFs, memes, and short videos to communicate. A simple response could be a “laughing crying” emoji or an animated sticker instead of writing “so funny.”

Real example: A Gen Z employee might respond to an assignment email with a 👍 emoji instead of typing “I understand.” This reflects efficiency, not disrespect.

b. Authenticity and social awareness

Research from Vietcetera (2025) shows that Vietnamese Gen Z doesn’t live in their own safe zone. Instead, they are engaged with issues like the Paracel-Spratly Islands dispute, universal education, gender equality, and animal rights. They trust brands and people who show transparency and take real action.
This means when communicating with Gen Z, you need to show authenticity and have a clear stance. They can easily detect insincerity and will lose trust if they feel deceived.

c. Rich Internet slang

Vietnamese Gen Z has created a rich and diverse vocabulary system. According to Talkpal (2024), one of the most popular words is “lit” – used to describe something excellent or outstanding. For example, if a movie is particularly good, Gen Z might say “This movie is lit!”

Other popular terms include:

– “Cà khịa”: light teasing or sarcasm

– “Flex,” “Phông bạt”: bragging, showing off

– “Toxic”: harmful, negative

– “Xu cà na” – unlucky, used when encountering misfortune

– “Bóc trúng sít rịt” / “sít rịt” – extremely lucky but with possible hidden risk

4. Strategies for communicating with Gen Z

a. Learn without mimicking

Understand their terms and context, but respond naturally in your own voice.

Example: If they say, “This project is so hard, I’m stressed,” you might reply, “I understand you’re under pressure. Let’s work out a solution together.”

b. Go Multi-Channel

Use platforms they’re active on — not just email or phone calls. Zalo, Messenger, and even TikTok can be relevant depending on context.

Research from Decision Lab (2024) shows that TikTok is the only social media app that continues to increase its “indispensable” level, reaching 11% in Q2 2024. Notably, this is not just a platform favored by Gen Z, but also popular across all generations, confirming its central position in Vietnamese digital habits.

c. Respect Efficiency and Speed

Be concise. Summarize first, then give details; instead of writing long emails.

d. Show Authenticity and Transparency

Gen Z dislikes exaggerated advertising. Instead of sugar-coating, be upfront — even when products have flaws or ideas aren’t perfect. They value honesty, appreciate those who admit weaknesses, and respect a willingness to face challenges. This builds trust and a genuine connection far more effectively than empty promises.

e. Utilize visual content

Pair text with images, infographics, or short videos for faster understanding.

5. Common mistakes — And fixes

a. Overusing slang to “Fit In”

🧯 Mistake: Overusing slang that doesn’t match your age, position, or context can make you lose naturalness and credibility.
✅ Solution: Stay authentic, not forced. Communicate sincerely, use clear and easy-to-understand language. If you want to build rapport, show it through respect and openness rather than chasing trends.

b. Underestimating their abilities and knowledge

🧯 Mistake: Viewing Gen Z as “inexperienced children” can backfire. They are a generation with quick access to information and clear opinions.
✅ Solution: Listen to their viewpoints with goodwill. Ask open-ended questions, give them opportunities to share, and acknowledge the value they bring.

c. Ignoring their multitasking nature

🧯 Mistake: Thinking that listening while looking at their phone is disrespectful. Gen Z grew up in a digital environment and multitasking is a natural habit.
✅ Solution: Instead of demanding 100% undivided attention, create concise, focused, and interactive content. Avoid prolonging conversations unnecessarily.

d. Lack of immediate feedback

🧯 Mistake: Slow or vague responses can make them feel neglected or unvalued.
✅ Solution: Try to respond quickly and clearly, even when you don’t have a complete answer (e.g., “I’m checking, will get back to you today”). Gen Z values transparency and timely commitments.

6. Practical applications at work

In Human Resource Management

When working with Gen Z employees:

– Give regular, specific feedback

– Use communication tools they’re familiar with like Slack, Microsoft Teams

– Respect their need for “work-life balance”

– Offer creative freedom

In Business and Marketing

Nielsen survey shows that about 55% of Gen Z consumers regularly seek opinions before purchasing (Vietnam.vn, 2025). This means:

– Leverage the power of reviews and real experiences

– Invest in short video content on TikTok and YouTube Shorts

– Show brand values and social mission

– Actively interact with customers on social media

In Education and training

– Use technology and interactive experiences

– Provide content in micro-learning format (quick-concise-focused)

– Encourage discussion and opinion sharing

– Create flexible and diverse learning environments

7. Conclusion

Communicating with Gen Z isn’t about abandoning traditional methods — it’s about expanding your approach. Their core values of efficiency, authenticity, and adaptability represent the “language of the future.”

Start by listening. Ask questions. Respect goes both ways, and understanding builds the strongest bridges