TD Magazine Article
Leverage this study to improve communication in your office.
Mon Dec 08 2014
Work in any office setting long enough, and you're sure to hear a fair amount of corporate jargon. Unfortunately, as Weird Al Yankovic's song "Mission Statement" points out, buzzwords have been overused to the point that many people roll their eyes when they hear them. A survey by Accountemps rounded up some of the most worn-out corporate buzzwords:
out of pocket
circle back
forward-thinking
dynamic
synergy
pick your brain
win-win
deep dive.
When you use too many buzzwords too often, you can muddy and confuse your point rather than clarify it. Here are a few tips for avoiding corporate jargon, and delivering a clearer message to your co-workers and employees.
Make your point. Use simple, straightforward language, and explain why your message is important.
Show genuine interest. People will respond positively if your conversation demonstrates your enthusiasm about the topic.
Change the language of your company. A company's culture is largely shaped by how it communicates. Don't use formal language that is stuffed with corporate jargon. Instead, craft company-wide messaging that is natural, friendly, and approachable.
When all else fails, introduce a "buzzword jar." Whenever someone is using too many buzzwords, he has to put a quarter into the jar. It can go toward a party, an ice cream social, a team lunch, or happy hour.
Now, take a deep dive into these strategies for eradicating buzzwords in your office. Circle back and let us know how it went.
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