Just recently I came across a post titled, '50 Epic Jargon Solutions for Better Writing,' and guess what, I was surprised to see that we use most of them in everyday life! Strangely enough, most of us probably use jargon to 'drive a point' with panache! However, one needs to beware of how cliched and worn out these words have become. I have listed a few words, cliches that I have come across and why they need to be done away with. The use of jargon presumably to 'drive a point' might, in fact, prevent effective communication being distracting in nature, since the uninitiated victim might be drawn to the uniqueness of the term!
1. At the end of the day. By the end of the day. One wonders where one might be by the end of the day. With things being so volatile and fluid, with things happening so fast, things might be so different by the day's end might mean 'take your time!'
2. Awesome. A much-bandied word that might be used to describe an exceptional art piece, it might sound rather artificial and hollow when used too often.
3. Bandwidth. I remember how radios used different bands, you had Shortwave Bands, Mediumwave bands, F.M. bands to operate. It is a skilful way of saying you don't have time, or it has not been planned for.
4. Buy-in. I wonder if this is a throw off from the Commerce syllabus! This is a rather sophisticated way of saying that you agree, or you would like to give support to a new idea.
5. Champion (as a verb). In many cases, the uninitiated rookie is encouraged to support a cause or an idea that is doomed to fail, and the more experienced shy away from the very idea of defending it.
6. Content is king. Probably a throw off from the field of content marketing, this is a much-used term that would look better while developing a web page, or planning out an online marketing campaign. Teachers of poetical expression will shout with glee about the use of metaphors in everyday language, who would say that poetry is dead!
7. Core competencies. This is a rather unique way of stating the basic minimum skills that are required for a particular post. I wonder if by mentioning the word, 'Core' there might not be another group of skills too!
8. Cutting edge. Razors and swords have cutting edges. The term 'Cut-throat competition' also creates a rather graphic image of duels that used to take place in the Medieval ages to prove honour and innocence.
All this obsession with gore and Cutting Edge technology seems to remind us of the gladiators in Roman times.
All this obsession with gore and Cutting Edge technology seems to remind us of the gladiators in Roman times.
12. Disconnect (as a noun). You might as well state that you don't agree with something because of a misunderstanding. A euphemistic way to say that you think differently, it could also be an excuse for building up a prelude to an argument that leads to the dismissal of a subordinate.
13. Disruptive. This is a euphemism for people who are intent on making trouble. In today's experiential times, however, it looks bad to accept that there are people in your organisation who think differently. Thus, to save face you label such influences as being disruptive!
14. Vulnerability: OMG! We come across this term multiple times in workshops that deal with team-building and emotional learning practices. Why would one want to be vulnerable in the midst of others! Personal things need to be shared only with those with whom you feel really safe! You really can't expect to turn on and turn off your inner-most feelings! It is as if you were expected to turn on and off the tap tears!
14. Vulnerability: OMG! We come across this term multiple times in workshops that deal with team-building and emotional learning practices. Why would one want to be vulnerable in the midst of others! Personal things need to be shared only with those with whom you feel really safe! You really can't expect to turn on and turn off your inner-most feelings! It is as if you were expected to turn on and off the tap tears!
18. Empower: OK, so you have decided to entrust someone with some responsibilities because you have too much on your hands, and you want to make the person feel great about the responsibilities you have given him or her. Somehow it sounds as if the delegation of responsibilities has given the person certain privileges denied to the rest. You have started a class war in your organization by empowering certain people and disempowering others!
19. Safe Space, Safe Zone: This term reminds me of the safe zones and safe spaces that were demarcated by the UN forces in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzogonia a few years back. Why would anyone want to remind others of safe zones and safe spaces that saw some of the worst atrocities during the Yugoslavian conflict? A better term would be, feel free, this is unofficial, you are permitted to voice your opinion, relax, do your own stuff...etc.
20. Key Takeaway: A much-used term borrowed from the culture of takeaway breakfasts, lunches and dinners that can be microwaved into acceptable appearance prior to being consumed. This term is used after a marathon session of brainstorming and discussions about where the organisation is headed to. Better terms would summarise, conclude, or wind-up.
21. Going Forward: All organisations plan to move forward, progress so what is the point of stating the obvious? A better expression would be our future plan, we plan to, we will...etc
22. Get on board: Get on board or you will be eaten by the sharks, shot by the bandits, or abducted by aliens from Gondor! A sugar-coated term that assumes compliance and readiness to 'jump the bandwagon', toe the line, or see eye to eye while joining the organisation, a team or group.
19. Safe Space, Safe Zone: This term reminds me of the safe zones and safe spaces that were demarcated by the UN forces in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzogonia a few years back. Why would anyone want to remind others of safe zones and safe spaces that saw some of the worst atrocities during the Yugoslavian conflict? A better term would be, feel free, this is unofficial, you are permitted to voice your opinion, relax, do your own stuff...etc.
20. Key Takeaway: A much-used term borrowed from the culture of takeaway breakfasts, lunches and dinners that can be microwaved into acceptable appearance prior to being consumed. This term is used after a marathon session of brainstorming and discussions about where the organisation is headed to. Better terms would summarise, conclude, or wind-up.
21. Going Forward: All organisations plan to move forward, progress so what is the point of stating the obvious? A better expression would be our future plan, we plan to, we will...etc
22. Get on board: Get on board or you will be eaten by the sharks, shot by the bandits, or abducted by aliens from Gondor! A sugar-coated term that assumes compliance and readiness to 'jump the bandwagon', toe the line, or see eye to eye while joining the organisation, a team or group.
23. Ideation: Metacognition, cognition, and formation of ideas are important terms of learning strategies. Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors might use these terms to explain the need to visualise, develop strategies, or brainstorm ways to achieve better marks in the next exam.
24. Knowledge Transfer: All initiates and rookies will be provided information via Bluetooth, wifi, and direct connect. Don't worry! Someone will coach you, train you and tell you about how things work here!
25. Key Learning: The big picture, the big idea, the concept, the central theme, central message...etc.
24. Knowledge Transfer: All initiates and rookies will be provided information via Bluetooth, wifi, and direct connect. Don't worry! Someone will coach you, train you and tell you about how things work here!
25. Key Learning: The big picture, the big idea, the concept, the central theme, central message...etc.
26. On the same page: A sugar-coated way of suggesting that a few areas of agreement do exist in an ocean of disagreements!
27. Paradigm Shift: An over-inflated way of suggesting that a huge change has taken place in the attitude of people. The very culture has changed greatly, fewer people are taking leaves now, except for emergencies!
28. Raise the bar: Increase the difficulty level, make it more difficult, raise expectations, to make it more difficult to get that paid holiday without proving yourself worthy enough.
29. Push the envelope: Pull up your socks, tighten your belt, gird your loins for here are some more challenges. Push your limits, work harder, move on to the next level, you got a silver, now work for the gold.
28. Raise the bar: Increase the difficulty level, make it more difficult, raise expectations, to make it more difficult to get that paid holiday without proving yourself worthy enough.
29. Push the envelope: Pull up your socks, tighten your belt, gird your loins for here are some more challenges. Push your limits, work harder, move on to the next level, you got a silver, now work for the gold.
I have shared some of the jargon solutions, from the article link posted below. Quite a few of the fifty jargon shared in the article are those that I come across often.
50 Epic Jargon Solutions for Better Writing
Brad Shorr
http://www.jeffbullas.com/50-epic-jargon-solutions-for-better-writing/
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