Jargon: The Annoying Language No One Understood

Have you ever been in a meeting or read a document that felt like it was written in a foreign language? You're not alone. Jargon, the specialized language used by certain professions and groups, can be a huge barrier to communication.

Why is Jargon a Problem?

It excludes outsiders. When people use jargon, they often forget that not everyone in the audience understands what they're saying. This can make it difficult for people to follow along and participate in discussions.
It can be confusing. Even if you understand the individual words in a jargon term, you may not understand what it means when they're put together. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
It can be intimidating. When people use jargon, it can make you feel like you're not smart enough to understand what they're saying. This can discourage you from asking questions or participating in discussions.

How to Avoid Using Jargon

If you want to avoid using jargon, there are a few things you can do:

Use plain language. This means using words and phrases that are easy to understand by everyone in your audience.
Define your terms. If you need to use a jargon term, be sure to define it for your audience.
Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. These can be confusing for people who are not familiar with them.
Ask for feedback. If you're not sure whether or not your language is clear, ask someone else to read over it and give you feedback.

The Benefits of Avoiding Jargon

There are many benefits to avoiding jargon, including:

Improved communication. When you use plain language, your audience will be more likely to understand what you're saying.
Increased participation. When people feel like they can understand what's going on, they're more likely to participate in discussions.
Increased credibility. When you avoid jargon, you come across as being more credible and trustworthy.

So, next time you're tempted to use jargon, think again. It's not worth the risk of confusing your audience and making them feel excluded.

Call to Action

I challenge you to go jargon-free for one day. See how it feels to communicate with people in plain language. I bet you'll be surprised at how much easier it is.