November 17, 2023
Jargon Jeopardy
Greg Foster, Director of Sales, delves into a curious world where industry buzzwords and jargon reign supreme. With a wit as sharp as the acronyms are baffling, Foster uncovers the hidden hilarity and unintended consequences of our love affair with technical lingo.
This article isn't just another trudge through technical terms; it's a revealing look at communication's core principles that might alter how you talk shop.
Deciphering the Enigmatic Eli
This summer, I enjoyed attending several conferences, each a refreshing change from the pandemic-driven isolation as we once again embraced in-person engagements. The final stop of the conference season was the Connected Manufacturing Forum in Atlanta, a focal point for professionals in B2B Manufacturing.
It was my first time visiting Atlanta, and despite the hectic schedule of the conference, I managed to squeeze in a thrilling Braves game followed by a late-night stop at a Waffle House (a rare “treat,” as we don't have them in Canada).
During lunch on one of the days, I had the privilege of sitting across from Eli, a seasoned professional in the AeroTech industry known for creating cutting-edge aerospace components. Over a delightful catfish lunch (also not common in Canada), Eli entertained us with tales from the world of AeroTech, passionately weaving in buzzwords, technical jargon, and acronyms. It was as if he had embarked on a mission to showcase his industry expertise and wow us with his knowledge. However, as he continued to pepper his conversation with terms like "MES," "BOM," and "PLM," it became increasingly clear that we were navigating through a maze of unfamiliar acronyms.
As Eli passionately explained his AeroTech acronyms and jargon, he suddenly noticed my puzzled expression. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he decided to test my knowledge further.
He leaned in, a sly smile on his face, and whispered, "Ever heard of the 'SBSM' system?"
I furrowed my brow, feeling a bit unsure, but I played along, replying, "SBSM? Uh, not really. What's that one about?"
Eli leaned in even closer, dramatically lowering his voice, "It's the 'Sonic Boom Suppression Mechanism,' a critical component in aerospace engineering, you know."
I nodded as if I had just uncovered a secret of the universe. "Ah, the Sonic Boom Suppression Mechanism, of course."
Eli couldn't contain his laughter and blurted out (quite loudly, I might add), “SBSM stands for Sales Bull S@!t Meter!”
The 'SBSM' system was nothing more than one of Eli's playful tactics to see if I'd take the bait. We shared a good laugh, and Eli admitted that sometimes, even in his world of AeroTech, things could get a bit absurd with jargon.
Amused by this linguistic labyrinth, we decided to play a light-hearted game, "Decode the Eli Jargon." Eli was a good sport, explaining that "MES" stood for Manufacturing Execution System, "BOM" was the Bill of Materials, and "PLM" was Product Lifecycle Management. It added a touch of humour to our lunch and helped demystify the industry's terminology.
When I regrouped with Jared at our booth, I couldn't wait to share this comical moment. It served as a humorous reminder of the need to approach jargon with caution and a sense of playfulness. While it's crucial for effective communication, it can also lead to unintentional misunderstandings or, in this case, a fictional Highly Reactive Reactor.
My encounter with Eli at the conference left a lasting impression, reminding me of the importance of effective communication in the world of technical projects. Jargon can have unintended consequences on both the customer and vendor sides of a development project. Let's explore two consequences, referencing relevant studies along the way.
Jargon Consequence 1 – Lack of Trust
Research, such as the study by Dr. Regina Jucks and Maria Zimmermann at the University of Munster, Germany, shows that using high amounts of jargon can make us appear more credible within specific expert forums. However, for the layperson, excessive jargon can lead to a lack of trust. While impressive to some, Eli's overflowing manufacturing lexicon could leave others questioning his intentions and trustworthiness. A New York University study found that using vague words, similar to jargon in this context, can also lower trust levels. When it comes to technical projects, trust is paramount, and overusing jargon can inadvertently erode it.
Jargon Consequence 2 – Miscommunication
Eli's extensive use of jargon at our lunch table showcased another issue – miscommunication. While jargon can be an efficient way to communicate within a knowledgeable circle, it can be isolating for those who don't fully understand it.
In 2014, Richard Branson wrote a LinkedIn article titled ‘Why You Should Do Away With Jargon.’ It opened with:
“Some people love speaking in jargon, using fancy words and turning everything into acronyms. Personally, I find this simply slows things down, confuses people and causes them to lose interest. It’s far better to use a simple term and commonplace words that everyone will understand rather than showing off and annoying your audience.”
Richard’s article emphasized the importance of clear and simple language to avoid confusion and maintain engagement. The jargon Eli used might have been common in his industry, but it didn't necessarily align with the understanding of everyone present.
My story with Eli didn't end with that lunch; we still stay in touch, and Eli consistently stumps me with new acronyms and jargon, adding a touch of mystery and humour to our ongoing interactions. It's a reminder that while jargon can have its place, it should be used sparingly, and it's vital to ensure that both sides of a project share a common language for effective communication.
Jargon doesn’t always make for clear communication
To summarize, or TL;DR, in the fast-paced world of technology, clarity and trust remain the foundation for successful collaborations. So, a pinch adds flavour when it comes to jargon, but a heap can make the whole dish hard to swallow. See what I did there? 😉
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November 17, 2023