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ASK THE EDITOR(TM)
Vol. 1, Issue 1
Jan/Feb 2000

ABOLISHING JARGON

I once saw a memo with the title "Implementation of Automated Payroll
Function." No kidding. I almost threw it away without reading it--like
90% of the other employees receiving it did.

But I read on, trying to navigate my way through an equally unreadable
memo. Why not "Understanding the New Pay Stub" or "Why Your Paycheck
Looks Different" or even "The Scoop on the New Pay Stub"? This would get
my attention. I want to read a scoop, but not about implementation of a
function.

WHAT IS JARGON?

Jargon is overly technical language--industry buzz words known only to a
particular profession.

Have you ever overheard the computer guy at the office say something
like this? "I checked with the sysop about zeta testing the
functionality of the router system for UNIX capability." Say what? Or
maybe you've heard the director of process improvement say something
like: "Interregional implementation of the assessment phase of the
managed-quality capability enhancement plan is in post pre-evaluation."
If so, you've heard jargon.

IS IT EVER OKAY TO USE JARGON?

Jargon is like a secret handshake you use with others in your profession
that shows that you're "in the know." For example, most pilots are going
to understand terms such as "instrument flight rules" and "decision
height" without needing them explained.

But anytime you use jargon, you run the risk of obscuring your message.
So if you are writing to customers and others outside your profession or
industry, watch your terminology. In general, use technical terms only
if you think 90% of your audience will understand them and they
precisely communicate your intended meaning.

For example, virtually everyone these days knows how to access the
Internet, and most are probably familiar with terms such as "home page,"
"plug-in," or "domain name," but not everyone knows what "archie,"
"cookie," or "fire wall" means. So if you're writing a letter or report
to someone who may not understand your terminology, define it for them
or use laymen's terms.

FUN WITH JARGON

If there are times when you deliberately want to obscure meaning--like
that report to the regional vice president about a project that has
fallen behind--use the following table. Select a word from each column
and presto! Unreadable prose!

integrated      management  capability
systematized  digital            mobility
functional       logic              projection
synchronized  incremental   flexibility
responsive      monitored     concept

QUOTE

"A good style should show no sign of effort. What is written should seem
a happy accident." W. Somerset Maugham

QUESTION FOR READERS

Are you guilty of using jargon? When? Or share a humorous example you've
seen recently. Your response will be posted in the next issue!

ASK THE EDITOR QUESTION

Stumped by a style issue or perplexed by a punctuation problem? In each
future issue, I'll answer a question submitted by a reader. Send your
question today!

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Copyright 2000 Kevin Orfield

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