Jargon Lives On

As I looked over a press release announcing a new relationship between two companies, my bull-o-meter went to red alert. The organizations “proudly” announced a “multi-phase strategic alliance to enable expanded, collaborative commerce for their customers in a seamless, integrated, and streamlined manner.”

And that means what?

For years, many people (including me) have been complaining about the use of such meaningless language in business communications. And yet it continues. In fact, we seem to be aiming to perfect the art of saying nothing in as many slick-sounding words as possible.

Whatever business communication you write, why not be specific about the real benefits to your clients or customers? If you can’t find a way to do that, just stick to the facts with a little honesty. For example, "Today, Allied Products merged with Products Unlimited. The merger will give the new company, Allied Unlimited, access to new, more profitable markets."

It's not, as they say, rocket science.

 

Comments

[David]

"BINGO! I win!"

It reminds me of my days with Andersen in the 90's when we'd play "buzzword bingo" while the managing partner would present the firm's strategies. It was all we could do to keep a straight face. Ah, the 90's - Management Consulting's golden years.

David
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