Say NO to business jargon

Self help guide

If you're a Jargon Junkie or a Communication Chameleon, you could soon be in trouble. How on earth will you cope without your favourite acronyms and meaningless pieces of jargon once ntl:Telewest Business have banned them?

But never fear, help is at hand. We have produced this simple, ten-step self-help recovery guide to help you and your colleagues ditch the jargon and learn how to communicate clearly and effectively. Just follow these guidelines and a waffle-free future can be yours - good luck!

And if you're a Straight Talker, have a read too. You'll be well placed to put your colleagues right when they slip up, no doubt in your refreshingly blunt manner!

1. Don't listen to your boss.
Around two-thirds of respondents said that their boss used business jargon in the workplace, and 41 per cent felt that they did so without actually knowing what it means. So, don't take your lead from them.

2. Don't tackle your entire lexicon of business jargon at once.
Sit down with colleagues and get them to highlight a couple of your most annoying / meaningless terms, and concentrate on getting rid of those. Do the same the following week, and continue until you are jargon-free.

3. If your use of business jargon is so entrenched, encourage people to highlight whenever you use it.
If they speak up and correct you every time you say something confusing or meaningless , you are far more likely to stop doing so.

4. Think before you open your mouth.
More than half of survey respondents have misunderstood business jargon, so if it sounds confusing to you, it will more than likely sound the same to your audience.

5. There is a time and a place.
There are occasions when a more technical vocabulary is perfectly acceptable, and there are other times when what you say will go straight over people's heads. Tailor what you say to suit who your audience.

6. As with most things in life, preparation and practice are hugely important.
If you do this before meetings and presentations, then you'll be confident in what you are saying and won't feel the need to fall back on meaningless jargon.

7. Be your own person.
Our research showed that more than half of people used business jargon just because everyone else in the office does. Surely some individuality can be applied here?

8. If you are finding it hard to kick the habit, try using PostIt note reminders around your desk.
Write down the most irritating phrases you use, and the reminders will help you not to use them.

9. You could try hitting yourself where it really hurts - in the wallet.
Set up a business jargon 'swear box', so every time you use a phrase of business jargon you put a pound in the box. Proceeds can either go to charity or towards your next staff night out.

10. Just think of your career.
With the repercussions of misunderstanding business jargon including arguments with colleagues, rollickings from the boss and even losing a client, you'd be mad to keep spouting it.

The Jargon Junkie

His conversation is littered with jargon and buzzwords, all delivered with supreme confidence. If everyone knew what he was talking about, he'd be a great communicator. But they don't, so he just leaves everyone totally bamboozled. Fortunately, everyone's too busy scratching their heads to realise he's spouting meaningless twaddle.