By Jeff Beals
A new study from the Financial Times indicates that fewer than 10 percent of business executives actually understand the meaning of commonly used corporate jargon and business buzzwords. The researchers surveyed nearly a thousand executives and found that “the overwhelming majority were ‘quite unable’ to correctly explain the jargon they use on a daily basis.”
The study described most of the surveyed executives as possessing “‘admittedly ignorant’ understanding of ‘very confusing’ management speak.” Nevertheless, the survey respondents admitted to using an average of five corporate buzzwords each day.
Whether they uttered the words in board rooms, in client meetings or high-stakes social settings, the executives believed the words “made them look more professional or intelligent” and “cemented their positions of authority.”
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Buzzwords and jargon are painful to the ear and patronizing to the brain. Those who use twenty-five-dollar words in the hopes of sounding brilliant end up sounding anything but brilliant at least to those people who are good at seeing through nonsense.
The professional world has long been plagued by the use of double-speaking buzzwords. Resist the temptation! Over the course of time, clear communicators are more respected than those whose mouths spew never-ending phrases of corporate bollocks.
Jeff Beals is a professional speaker and award-winning author, who helps professionals enjoy greater success through effective sales, marketing and personal branding techniques. He delivers energetic and humorous keynote speeches and workshops to audiences worldwide. To discuss booking a presentation, go to JeffBeals.com or email at info@jeffbeals.com or call (402) 637-9300.
