Bad language
What is the most important tool we have for clear communication? If you’ve read my other posts you might think the answer is EMOTION or EYE CONTACT or NARRATIVE. But actually the answer is words.
We use words to communicate. (I’m doing it right now.) And using words well is one of the best ways to make ourselves more effective communicators. Yet somehow when we get into a professional context, we suddenly forget how to use language. We start using words to obfuscate instead of communicate.
Everyone makes fun of corporate buzzwords. But there is actually nothing wrong with the word “synergy.” Synergy is a great word! It sounds cool, and it has almost no synonyms. It’s unique and powerful.
The problem is that no one knows what it means.
If you don’t know what a word means, then stop using it. You don’t even have to look it up! Your vocabulary is big enough already. Go to your grave without learning what “synergy” means.
But let’s say you do know what synergy means. You looked it up, even though I told you not to. You should still probably use another word, unless you want to share the definition with your audience. Because they don’t know what it means.
Ironically, words that are overused are the ones that most often lose their meaning. Check to see what words you use the most often. Are you using them because they’re the right word, or because it’s an easy filler word?
Are you using complicated multisyllabic words when a simpler word would do? Using buzzwords to make your ideas sound important has the opposite effect.
Use language to connect with people. Corporate buzzwords usually seem meaningless partly because they are already abstract ideas. What about words like dog or flower or house? Can we use these words in our presentations? Instead of team can we say gang of thieves? Instead of action item can we say enchanted quest? I refuse to attend your zoom meeting, invite me to your secret hideout. I will no longer refer to my professional areas for improvement, but to my inner demons.
Language can, if you let it, come alive. And it just might help people understand what you mean.
