Jargon is a staple of the modern workplace. Sometimes jargon has a legitimate purpose, but overreliance on it and acronyms can make people feel excluded or lead them to disengage. If you’re concerned about possible negative effects of jargon on your teams, clients or organization, consider the following:
- Know your audience. There are times when using jargon can help you signal expertise or credibility. If clarity and engagement are paramount, it may be costly.
- Check yourself. Ask yourself if there’s a simpler way to communicate your idea.
- Start at the top. Executive communications that use clear and unambiguous language can set the tone.
- Spread the word. Letting others know why you avoid jargon sends a clear message that you’re confident in your abilities and interested in being understood rather than showing off.
Source: Harvard Business Review, March 19, 2021. Link. While professional status concerns can lead speakers to “elucidate” rather than “explain” and “leverage” rather than “use,” it is possible to foster a culture of clear communication and reduce the costs of needless jargon for you and your organization.