Business Jargon, a Christmas bike and the death of any communication

An increasingly common issue in business communication is the urge to prove one's expertise at all costs.

While demonstrating knowledge isn't inherently bad, the problem arises when it leads to overly complex language. Enter jargon—the original sin of every speaker. Technical, cold, and sterile terms dominate, often as a way to showcase expertise.

On one hand, it's a habit; on the other, it's a crutch for those who haven’t prepared or considered how to adapt their language to their audience. Simplifying isn’t easy, and few are willing to do it. It takes time, effort, and patience to translate expertise into language that even non-experts can understand.

The goal isn’t to prove how knowledgeable we are but to make sure we’re understood. Unfortunately, many speakers forget this, turning meetings and presentations into a jumble of technical jargon and big words. The result? Communication gets lost because it strips away the most important element: emotions.

Imagine a child not getting the bike they wanted on Christmas. They don’t say, “I failed to meet my holiday objectives.” They simply say, “I didn’t get the bike.” It’s a simple, relatable expression of disappointment.

This happens in our lives all the time: we complicate things to sound knowledgeable when we should simplify to show our passion and commitment. The next time you present, leave the corporate jargon at the door.

Simplify your message, speak with authenticity, and show the emotion behind your words. That’s how real communication happens.