When it comes to effective communication, clarity is key—especially in the world of business. However, business jargon, a term that refers to a specialized or technical language often used in professional settings, can sometimes confuse more than it clarifies. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 most common business jargon terms, why they should be avoided, and how to replace them with clear, straightforward language. By doing so, you’ll ensure your message is accessible and relatable, reaching a wider audience.
Why Should Business Writers Avoid Using Buzzwords?
Buzzwords and business jargon might seem like the industry standard, but they often leave readers feeling disconnected. Using accessible language instead of buzzwords leads to clearer, more effective communication. When writers use terms that are ambiguous or overly technical, they risk creating barriers rather than fostering understanding. In a world where people are increasingly seeking transparency, using plain language strengthens connections and helps build trust.
What Are Jargon Words?
Jargon words are terms and phrases commonly used within specific industries but may be confusing or meaningless to outsiders. Some examples include words like synergy, circle back, and scalable solutions. These terms are often vague, lack concrete meaning, and make it challenging for readers to engage fully with the content.
By following this guide, you’ll learn what these phrases mean, why they’re unhelpful, and effective ways to replace them. If you’re interested in enhancing your business writing skills further, consider enrolling in a business writing course designed to help professionals communicate more clearly.
The Importance of Avoiding Jargon in Business Writing
In a digital era where everyone is overwhelmed with information, clarity has never been more important. Jargon in business writing can make it difficult for readers to understand your message, which may lead to misinterpretation or disinterest. Replacing jargon with plain language can make your content more relatable, helping you to connect better with your audience.
Examples of jargon sentences: “We need to leverage our core competencies to pivot our strategy.” While this sentence may sound professional, it’s unnecessarily complex. Rephrasing it as, “We need to focus on our strengths and adjust our strategy” is clearer and more accessible.
Top 10 Business Jargon Terms and How to Avoid Them
Below is a list of ten popular business jargon terms along with tips on how to avoid them. Replacing these terms with simpler language can significantly improve the clarity of your business writing.
1. Leverage
What it means: To use something to its fullest advantage.
Avoid it by saying: “Use” or “Make the most of.”
Example: Instead of “We need to leverage our partnerships,” say, “We need to make the most of our partnerships.”
2. Synergy
What it means: The combined effort of two entities that is greater than their individual effects.
Avoid it by saying: “Teamwork” or “Collaborative effort.”
Example: Replace “Our goal is to create synergy across departments” with “Our goal is to encourage teamwork across departments.”
3. Core Competency
What it means: A company’s primary strengths or advantages.
Avoid it by saying: “Strength” or “Key skills.”
Example: Instead of “Our core competency lies in customer service,” say, “Our strength is in customer service.”
4. Bandwidth
What it means: The capacity or ability to handle a task.
Avoid it by saying: “Capacity” or “Availability.”
Example: Replace “I don’t have the bandwidth for that project” with “I don’t have the capacity for that project.”
5. Move the Needle
What it means: To make a significant impact or improvement.
Avoid it by saying: “Make progress” or “Create impact.”
Example: Instead of “We need to move the needle on sales,” say, “We need to make progress in sales.”
6. Circle Back
What it means: To follow up or return to a previous discussion.
Avoid it by saying: “Follow up” or “Return to.”
Example: Rather than “Let’s circle back to this later,” say “Let’s return to this later.”
7. Low-Hanging Fruit
What it means: Tasks or goals that are easy to achieve.
Avoid it by saying: “Quick wins” or “Easy tasks.”
Example: Replace “Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit” with “Let’s start with the quick wins.”
8. Take It Offline
What it means: To continue a conversation in a private or separate setting.
Avoid it by saying: “Discuss privately” or “Talk separately.”
Example: Instead of “Let’s take this conversation offline,” say, “Let’s discuss this privately.”
9. Win-Win
What it means: A situation where both parties benefit.
Avoid it by saying: “Mutually beneficial” or “Good for both sides.”
Example: Rather than “This deal is a win-win,” say, “This deal benefits both sides.”
10. Touch Base
What it means: To make brief contact or communicate.
Avoid it by saying: “Check in” or “Follow up with.”
Example: Replace “I’ll touch base with you next week” with “I’ll check in with you next week.”
Popular Business Words to Replace with Plain Language
Some popular business words sound sophisticated but often add little meaning. Consider replacing the following terms to make your writing more accessible:
- Optimize → “improve” or “enhance”
- Implement → “start” or “begin”
- Utilize → “use”
- Facilitate → “help” or “guide”
Example of Jargon Sentence: “We’re looking to leverage our synergies and optimize our bandwidth to move the needle.”
Clear Version: “We’re aiming to work together more effectively and use our resources wisely to make a positive impact.”
Jargon Should Never Be Used in Business Writing
In any form of business communication, clarity should be the goal. Jargon should never be used in business writing because it distances the writer from the reader, causing misunderstandings and frustration. Here are three reasons to avoid jargon:
- Accessibility: Plain language ensures your content is accessible to a broader audience.
- Credibility: Avoiding unnecessary jargon makes your message appear honest and transparent.
- Clarity: Jargon-free writing improves clarity, ensuring that your message is understood and retained.
Learning to eliminate jargon is one of the key skills taught in business writing courses, where writers learn to communicate with clarity, simplicity, and impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avoiding popular business words and phrases is a great way to make your writing more engaging and accessible. By opting for simpler terms, you help build trust and clarity, ensuring that your message reaches and resonates with a wider audience. Remember, jargon in business writing isn’t about sounding sophisticated; it’s about clear and effective communication.
