Help me stop the clunking!

A few weeks ago, my car was making strange clunking noises, especially when I was driving at low speeds and changing gear. This worried me, not just because I was pretty sure that cars aren't supposed to do that (though I'm no expert) but mainly because I was anxious about what I was going to say when I got to the garage. As I say, I'm no expert on cars. In fact, I'm not very interested in them. But they are useful in getting me from A to B. And I was concerned that if I was to take my car to the garage and tell them 'my car is making clunking noises' they would just laugh at me. I needn't have worried. As I hesitantly began explaining the noises, the chap at the service desk whipped out a check-list of potential sounds that the customer could have reported. Sure enough, 'clunk' was on there. My sound wasn't unique. And I could equally have reported hissing, spluttering, or even wheezing! 'But what's this story doing in a charity blog?' I hear you ask. Well, here's why: Supporters don't need to understand the technicalities, but they need to know you do. So it turns out that my car's console bushes needed replacing. I didn't even know such a part existed. When communicating with your charity's supporters, avoid the jargon when describing what you do. Cut out the acronyms. Avoid the fundraising mechanics. And definitely don't refer to them as a donor who needs developing. Instead focus on the outcomes of the work they're making happen. Don't mention the co