Business Jargon: Can You Talk the Talk?

            Jargon has become increasingly easier to find in both speech and text. Essentially, jargon is the technical terms and buzzwords associated with a particular topic or field. Jargon can be frustrating to an outsider because it makes it difficult to understand what others mean. The problems and emptiness of jargon gave it a negative connotation long ago. That has not stopped people from using it. What is a person to do as jargon persists?

            Jargon is especially a problem in the world of business. Different fields have their language and appear to take pride in using it. They have no problem dropping their buzzwords and peculiar phrasing because it is assumed that everyone else understands. It isn’t just technical terms that serve as roadblocks. Common words such as “empower,” “innovate,” or “diversity” are used so often in written materials that they’ve lost their meaning. This has created many issues and wasted too much time.

            The way to survive business jargon is twofold. First, don't accept it as a reasonable answer. Speak up if something does not make sense. Ask for an explanation. It is better to get an answer right away than to waste time trying to figure out what it means. It is not going to make you look bad or taint your reputation. It is honestly the responsible approach because you're taking the initiative to keep clear communication and use your time efficiently. Those are two things that businesses love.

Sometimes asking for an explanation is not possible such as when one is dealing with written materials. In that situation, it is best to begin researching. Sadly, business jargon has initiated the creation of many jargon dictionaries. If you often come across jargon, it might be a good idea to invest in such a dictionary. A simple internet or book search can also provide the meaning of the troubling word or phrase.

            The second part of dealing with business jargon is to not use it. Don't be part of the problem by keeping these words alive. As jargon continues to be used, it loses its meaning and becomes nothing more than a trite expression. At that point, it becomes an excuse. Rather than taking the time to write something meaningful that readers can understand, the writer inserts jargon. This is far from right. If something is important enough to be said, it should be important enough to say in common sense terms. It might require more effort on the part of the writer, but it is worth it because of the benefits to readers and businesses. Work will get done and communication won't be a confusing jumble of words.

            Jargon and buzzwords are persistent problems in the business world and other industries. The best way to handle it is by asking questions and researching meanings. It is also important that you don't use jargon yourself because it only makes the problem worse. Writers need to think about what they want to write and write it in common sense terms that explain their full meaning. If writers will take the time to use plain English, readers will be able to do more with the information that they’re reading.