Is there a cure for company jargon? Why do most on-boarding programs include a list of organizational acronyms that every new employee must commit to memory and use routinely?
I remember fondly a time in an earlier career as a marketing manager when I had to use the PPP process whenever I wanted to initiate a change in price, product or promotion. I giggled most every time I said that acronym as it seemed so ridiculous to me. Over time PPP become a normal part of my speech. One day I found myself using it with a customer on the telephone. Thankfully, my customer had enough courage to ask me what PPP meant. I was embarrassed to realize that I had been using internal code with an important external customer. The term had no meaning to him.
According to Merriam Webster’s online dictionary, Communication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else. But acronyms are not words, they are only letters. Does that count?
Jargon is defined as confused unintelligible language. Is that how we wish to communicate? Does that make sense? I suppose in our attempt to be more efficient in our speaking and writing, we have taken to shortening most everything. Is this helping or harming our communication effectiveness?
Technology makes it easier to speak in code
Recently, I had to do the extra internet jargon research to figure out that my friend had just announced her pregnancy on Facebook. How hard could it have been to simply write, “Good news! I’m pregnant.”
Texting and mobile devices have increased the acceptability of abbreviations and acronyms. But, in my mind, the rampant use of unintelligible abbreviations in texting today, has gone beyond the pale. Many texts are now nothing more than an array of gibberish, decoded only by the urban dictionary. Teenagers are habitually learning to talk and write using nonsensical acronyms. How will this communication habit impact their interviewing success? How will their resumes and written communication be received in the workplace?
Avoid jargon when giving presentations I recently conducted an effective presentation skills workshop with a focus on reduction of PowerPoint and other technical crutches. During this two-day professional development program, we explored some common presentation pitfalls that even the most polished professional can trip over. One of the participants, a savvy creative visual team manager at LEGO, Mr. Michael Shippers, identified a new pitfall. I can’t believe that I didn’t see this one. It’s so pervasive, it’s almost invisible.
Presentation Pitfall #19: Speaking in code. Every company has its own internal language that is understood only by those who have been there for many years. Usually it is abbreviated language (for example: LMS (learning management system), IPD (individual development plan), SLT (senior leadership team)). Texting has further fueled this short hand communication. The danger in speaking in code is that we lose the power of the words while also confusing others. People in your audience may be hesitant to ask you what you are referring to. Do your audience and yourself a favor and speak in full sentences with complete words, rather than abbreviations. In this way, you will tap into the full power of words and be a much more effective communicator.
- Find out about the other 18 most common presentation pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them – http://marketingmotivator.net/resources/free-stuff/presentation-pitfalls/
Misuse of the power of words 
Words have power. They have meaning. They shape our experience in the world. It’s how we interpret meaning. According to the book, Neuro-linguistic programing for Dummies, authors Ready and Burton explain that the Linguistics part refers to the way that human beings use language to make sense of the world, to capture and conceptualize experience, and communicate that experience to others. “In NLP, linguistics is the study of how the words you speak influence your experience.” (page 10)
When we use acronyms and jargon, we are diluting the power of the language. We are lessening the impact of words and their brand power. We are mystifying our experiences and connections. And worst of all, we are creating confusion for others.
Regain your full communication power
Resist the temptation to write or speak in abbreviations. Take the extra time to speak and write your thoughts and ideas using long hand. Pay attention to the meaning of each and every word that you use. Look them up in the dictionary (online or old fashioned printed dictionary). Understand the history and origin of that word. Honor it by using it as it was intended.
This is especially important when referring to your brands, your divisions, your missions, your values, even your processes. It took a great deal of effort to create those words and concepts. You can continue to add to their equity by referring to them completely, and not by nickname.
