Helen Wilkie
Don't Let Jargon Hide Your Message
One of the main barriers to business communication, both in
writing and in speech, is the inappropriate use of jargon.
Is the reader a member of your company, your organization,
your industry or profession? If so, a certain amount of
jargon may be appropriate. After all, jargon comes into
being simply because it is often the best means of
communication among members of a particular group.
The problem arises, however, when we forget that a reader
is outside the group, and may not understand our special
language. Jargon is a special type of "insider" language
designed to communicate easily with other members of a
group. So there's no reason why outsiders should know your
jargon.
They won't necessarily tell you they don't understand
because, ironically, they think they should know! So
because of inappropriate language, the message is lost and
communication breaks down.
Imagine a cocktail party conversation involving a doctor, a
lawyer, an engineer, a plumber, a commercial printer and a
rock musician - all using their own professional jargon.
What a confusing noise that would produce!
That's exactly the effect you create when you use your
professional jargon, your own special "in" language, to
readers outside the group. They won't understand, and if
they don't understand the words you use, you have thrown up
a major barrier to communication.
Helen's Jargon Challenge
Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. Down
the left column, list as many of your own jargon terms as
you can remember. Keep the list beside you for a few days
and add to it as you think of terms. Now, in the right
column, opposite each jargon term write a plain language
substitute. I don't mean an explanation, but a word or
phrase you could actually use in place of the jargon.
If you use a lot of acronyms or initials, don't just write
them out in full - sometimes the full phrase is still
jargon! Make sure your "translation" is something that
outsiders could understand. If in doubt, ask one or two
people from outside your field if they understand the
words, and if they don't, keep editing until they do.
Now make a point of using these plain language equivalent
words and phrases any time you are writing or speaking to
anyone outside the group that uses your jargon. You just
multiplied the chances of your message being received and
understood!
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Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop
leader, consultant and author, specializing in
communication at work. Let Helen help you improve your
writing—and your career prospects! Get your free
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