Plain talk for the win

You know what captures people’s attention more than buzzwords, acronyms, and corporate jargon? Straight up, human-sounding plain talk.

Let’s be real. Phrases like “moving the needle,” “paradigm shift,” or “circle back” might feel efficient, but they often come off as vague and lifeless. These corporate clichés have become targets of mockery and fatigue across workplace culture and social media.

How plain talk builds trust

When we shift our focus from jargon to clarity, we’re not just cutting “the fluff.” We’re including people, building trust, and communicating more effectively.

We’re backed by science on this one! A study in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology confirmed that jargon shuts readers out, kills engagement, and dampens interest.

Think about it: if someone is new to the company, is a non-native speaker, or is simply just not a “buzzword expert,” they might find themselves spending more time Googling “what does ‘run it up the flagpole’ mean?” than paying attention.

And it’s not only about understanding – the American Journal of Industrial and Business Management found that jargon-heavy communication leads to miscommunication, stress, demoralization, higher turnover, and lost productivity.

Plain talk isn’t just safer, it’s smarter

Writing in plain language allows your message to:

• Land faster. Readers understand quickly and ask fewer follow-up questions, which saves time.
• Build trust. Clearer language shows you care about the reader’s experience.
• Be inclusive. The Government of Canada has directives requiring plain language in public communications, recognizing it as an accessibility measure.

Get plain (without being bland)

Here’s how you can make sure your communication sounds human:

• Be direct. Start with the point – the military-inspired BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) approach works wonders. Even in a dense email, people can immediately grasp the purpose.
• Use everyday words. Choose the simplest term – “start” instead of “commence,” or “look at the details” instead of “drill down.”

Why clarity matters

Jargon may feel like sophistication, but more often than not, it’s confusing. Plain talk doesn’t just communicate – it includes, respects, and motivates.

Next time you get the urge to circle back synergistically, pause and ask yourself: do I actually just mean “come back to it”?

Want to simplify your communications? We can help!

Need help transforming your messages from jargon to clarity? Whether it’s simplifying complex ideas or shaping your story, our team can help you get your message across clearly and naturally.

Visit our Communication Consulting page for more details.