Why it’s time to silence jargon
23 Sep 2024
We’ve all been there.
Sat in a meeting when someone reels off a minute or two of undiluted jargon which is impossible to follow, makes little sense but makes it look as if the speaker is right on top of their game.
It’s been happening since Adam was a boy, and shows little sign of changing.
Just this month, a new list of buzzwords came out to further add to the misery. Hands up if you know what a woliday is, have a clue about the meaning behind Monk Mode or performance punishment.
The attraction of new phrases is obvious – they make the speaker look as if they are in tune with the modern world, have their finger on the pulse and are on the ball.
But in the modern workplace, clear and effective communication is paramount – and jargon and buzzwords often get in the way of making ourselves clear. Here’s why.
The Dangers of Jargon
Lack of Understanding: Jargon can obscure meaning and make it difficult for employees to understand important information. For instance, terms like “synergise” or “leverage” might sound impressive but often leave employees confused about what actions are actually required. This lack of clarity can lead to mistakes, decreased productivity, and frustration among staff.
Exclusivity and Alienation: Jargon can create an exclusive environment where only those familiar with the terminology can fully participate in discussions. This can alienate new employees, non-native speakers, and those from different professional backgrounds. For example, a new hire in the tech industry might struggle to understand terms like “scrum” or “sprint” without proper explanation, leading to feelings of exclusion and decreased morale.
Miscommunication: The use of jargon can lead to miscommunication, especially when different departments or teams use different terminologies. For example, in a healthcare setting, the term “code blue” is universally understood to mean a medical emergency. However, if non-medical staff are unaware of this term, critical time can be lost in an emergency situation.
Impression Management: Jargon is often used to impress or appear knowledgeable, but it can backfire by making the speaker seem pretentious or insincere. This can damage trust and credibility. For instance, a manager who frequently uses buzzwords like “paradigm shift” or “blue-sky thinking” may be perceived as out of touch with the practical realities of the workplace.
Topical Examples of Jargon in Action
Corporate Jargon: In the corporate world, phrases like “circle back” or “touch base” are commonly used. While these terms are meant to facilitate communication, they often do the opposite. Employees might find themselves wondering what exactly is meant by “circle back” – does it mean to revisit the topic later, or to provide an update immediately?
Tech Industry: The tech industry is notorious for its jargon. Terms like “blockchain” and “cloud computing” are frequently used without proper context, leading to confusion. For example, a marketing team might struggle to understand a developer’s explanation of a new “API integration,” resulting in misaligned expectations and project delays.
Healthcare: In healthcare, jargon can have serious consequences. Medical professionals often use terms like “stat” (immediately) or “NPO” (nothing by mouth) that are not understood by patients or their families. This can lead to misunderstandings about treatment plans and patient care.
Strategies to Combat Jargon
Simplify Language: Encourage the use of plain language in all communications. This ensures that messages are clear and easily understood by everyone.
Provide Training: Offer training sessions to help employees understand industry-specific terms and their proper usage. This can be particularly helpful for new hires.
Encourage Questions: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for clarification when they encounter unfamiliar terms.
Use Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and other visual aids can help to clarify complex concepts and reduce reliance on jargon.
Jargon and buzzwords can create significant barriers to effective communication in the workplace.
By recognising the dangers of jargon and taking steps to promote clear and inclusive language, organisations can foster a more collaborative and productive environment.
Clear communication is not just a nicety; it is a necessity for the success and well-being of any organisation.
