Business jargon is a set of words and phrases that are used in a business setting but may not be commonly understood by people outside of that setting. Jargon can be useful for communicating complex ideas quickly and efficiently ,Z-valley.com/ also be confusing and alienating to people who are not familiar with it.
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Why do businesses use jargon?
There are a few reasons why businesses use jargon. One reason is to create a sense of shared identity among employees. By using jargon, employees can feel like they are part of a group that has its own unique language. Jargon can also be used to show off expertise and to make the speaker sound more important.
Another reason why businesses use jargon is to communicate complex ideas quickly and efficiently. For example, instead of saying “We need to develop a new marketing strategy that will increase brand awareness and generate leads,” a businessperson might say “We need to leverage our core competencies to create a synergy between our marketing and sales teams.”
When is jargon appropriate?
Jargon can be appropriate in some situations, such as when communicating with other experts in the same field. However, it is important to be mindful of your audience when using jargon. If you are communicating with people who are not familiar with the jargon you are using, it is important to explain it in plain language.
How to avoid jargon
There are a few things you can do to avoid using jargon in your business communication:
- Be clear and concise. State your ideas directly and avoid using unnecessary jargon.
- Use plain language. Avoid using jargon that your audience may not understand.
- Be specific. Instead of using general terms like “synergize” or “leverage,” use more specific language to describe what you mean.
- Use examples. When possible, use examples to illustrate your points.
Examples of business jargon
Here are some examples of common business jargon:
- Blue sky thinking
- Drill down
- Core competency
- Game changer
- Low-hanging fruit
- Moving the goalposts
- Paradigm shift
- Synergy
- Touch base
- Value-add
Tips for using business jargon effectively
If you do need to use jargon, there are a few things you can do to make it more effective:
- Define the jargon upfront. If you are using a term that your audience may not be familiar with, define it before you use it.
- Use jargon sparingly. Don’t overload your communication with jargon.
- Use jargon accurately. Make sure you understand the meaning of the jargon you are using before you use it.
Conclusion
Business jargon can be useful in some situations, but it is important to be mindful of your audience when using it. If you are not sure whether or not to use jargon, it is best to err on the side of caution and use plain language instead.