The pervasive use of business jargon can hinder effective communication and alienate colleagues and clients. Jean Evans explores the impact and pitfalls of using it in business
According to Duolingo, many words and phrases used in ‘business English’ have been subsumed into other languages, and 60 percent of people say they had to figure out the jargon used on their own when entering an organisation or business sector.
The prolific use of business jargon can not only lead to potential miscommunication, it can also exclude others in the organisation from networking within their business sphere.
Why do we use jargon?
The use of jargon can achieve several things. It can:
- project authority;
- convey sophistication;
- showcase trendiness; and
- show business savvy.
However, jargon can make others in your organisation or at a networking event feel uninformed and stressed, leading to less productivity, miscommunication and heightening another person’s sense of imposter syndrome.
Acronyms
Acronyms can be equally confusing and isolating for people who don’t understand them. In business, we hear a tremendous number of acronyms. Never assume your audience understands them.
If acronyms crop up, make sure they are explained in full at the outset.
For example, “key performance indicator (KPI)” can be formatted to inform an uninitiated reader of the acronym’s meaning before they continue reading the document.
Jargon in marketing and promotion
The amount of jargon used in brochures, websites, social media pitches and proposals can be staggering, particularly in hard-to-understand areas such as finance.
If you want to sell your services to those outside the accountancy profession, eliminate all the technical terms you would typically use daily from client-facing content and have someone outside your industry review copy to see if it stands up on its own. If they understand what you are trying to sell, so will potential clients.
Raise your awareness
Become aware of the language you use. It can create a barrier, but when used correctly, it has the power to include everyone in the conversation.
Jean Evans is a Networking Architect at NetworkMe
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