Have you ever turned up to a corporate event, read a PR release or a blog post and the cliched communication made you wince? Creating clear conversational writing and content sometimes means that old habits need to be unlearned!
So here’s another batch of business jargon, along with suggestions for how to replace these overused, confusing, vague, pretentious and/or misleading terms. If you’d like to see more, here are my first 50 epic jargon solutions.
1. Actionable. An actionable item is one you can take action on. Whether the action is desirable is another story. For that reason, an item may be more clearly described as practical, useful, realistic or workable.
2. Around. Don’t have a discussion around an issue; have a discussion about an issue.
3. Balls in the air. Sound less like a carnival act and more like a business professional by saying that you are busy or have several projects underway.
4. Best of breed. “Of breed” adds nothing to “best.” Just say you’re the best.
5. Big bang for the buck. A sleazy fast-talker’s way of saying this or that product or service has exceptionally high value.
6. Bring to the table. This is an overused way of saying a person contributes this or that specific thing to a project or work group.
7. Business case. Redundant. If you’re talking business, you should simply say case.
8. Check the box. Replace with complete the task.
9. Compelling. Overused! A 90 percent discount is compelling, but a 5 percent discount is merely interesting. Don’t describe something as compelling unless it is.
10. Competitive advantage. This phrase is a puffed up, boardroom-y way of saying your company excels at something.
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