While it might be tempting to use complicated words to impress others, especially in professional settings, using straightforward language is more effective in getting your message across, Marc Cuban told Wired in an October video Q&A.
What is Jargon?
Jargon is a specialized language used by people in a particular profession to communicate with each other. Jargon is present in various occupations, including medicine, law, marketing, banking, insurance, education, engineering, farming, auto repair, construction trades, and more.
Using jargon is acceptable when communicating within your profession. However, it is not helpful when your audience lacks the same technical or professional background. If you must use technical terms, explain each term and its context.
What is the Purpose of Business Jargon?
Buzzwords are often shortcuts for conveying complex ideas quickly. For example, saying, "Let's take a rain-check" is more straightforward than explaining to postpone a meeting and reschedule for a more convenient time. However, it's only effective if everyone understands the term's corporate and literal meaning.
Research from Columbia Business School published in Harvard Business Review suggests that jargon can sometimes hinder clear communication. The key is to use it wisely. The same research indicates that using suitable jargon in the right situations can instill confidence in your expertise among customers or clients and signal credibility to professional colleagues.
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What Do Experts Say?
Warren Buffet
Warren Buffett prefers avoiding jargon as he tackled simplicity in his annual shareholders' letter in 2019.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the current wealthiest person globally, dislikes jargon, particularly in the workplace. In a 2018 letter to Tesla employees, he stated, "Don't use acronyms or nonsense words for objects, software, or processes at Tesla. Anything that requires an explanation inhibits communication. We don't want people to memorize a glossary just to function at Tesla."
According to studies, using complex words to appear intelligent has the opposite effect. It makes you sound less intelligent and can also confuse your message.
Adam Galinsky
People resort to jargon when feeling insecure, attempting to elevate their status, as Adam Galinsky, a professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia Business School, noted in an August article for the school's website.
Using overly complicated terms when simpler ones would do suggests insecurity about your intelligence and an attempt to overcompensate. Experts advise speaking plainly and concisely instead.
The Risks of Using Office Jargon
Although meant as a shortcut, jargon can make communication more time-consuming because many terms are unclear. Additionally, using too many corporate buzzwords tends to discourage employees.
Miscommunication
Office jargon can cause misunderstandings and could cause because not everyone is familiar with the technical terminology. Confusion, misinterpretations, and errors in assignments or projects could arise from this.
Exclusion
Overusing jargon may lead to a feeling of exclusion in the workplace, making people unfamiliar with the words feel inferior or excluded. Collaboration and teamwork may suffer as a result.
Reduced Clarity
Using jargon may result in unclear communication, making it challenging for others to understand what is being said.
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