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.
Posted with permission of Jeff Beals. 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.