Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is an indication that your listener does not understand you when you use jargon?
What is an indication that your listener does not understand you when you use jargon?
Why should you ask your listener to tell you what they understand from what you've said?
Why should you ask your listener to tell you what they understand from what you've said?
What is a way to check if your message is being understood by others?
What is a way to check if your message is being understood by others?
What is the benefit of having a buddy system to improve communication?
What is the benefit of having a buddy system to improve communication?
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What should you do when you notice that your listener is not understanding you?
What should you do when you notice that your listener is not understanding you?
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Why should you not ask people if they have any questions?
Why should you not ask people if they have any questions?
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What is a sign that your listener is physically distancing themselves from the conversation?
What is a sign that your listener is physically distancing themselves from the conversation?
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What is the purpose of developing a buddy system with others who speak Jargonese?
What is the purpose of developing a buddy system with others who speak Jargonese?
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What should you do when you notice that your listener is not responding with the results you expect?
What should you do when you notice that your listener is not responding with the results you expect?
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What is the main goal of avoiding jargon in communication?
What is the main goal of avoiding jargon in communication?
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When a listener says 'uh-huh' in a tone of false comprehension, it is a sign that they understand the conversation perfectly.
When a listener says 'uh-huh' in a tone of false comprehension, it is a sign that they understand the conversation perfectly.
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Asking people if they have any questions is an effective way to ensure they understand what you've said.
Asking people if they have any questions is an effective way to ensure they understand what you've said.
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Developing a buddy system with others who speak Jargonese is only beneficial for the person receiving feedback.
Developing a buddy system with others who speak Jargonese is only beneficial for the person receiving feedback.
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Monitoring results is not necessary to check if your message is being understood by others.
Monitoring results is not necessary to check if your message is being understood by others.
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A tone of humility is not necessary when checking in with others to clarify understanding.
A tone of humility is not necessary when checking in with others to clarify understanding.
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Study Notes
The Dangers of Jargon
- Using jargon can be damaging and confuse people, as seen in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where the prosecution's use of complex scientific terms led to confusion among the jurors.
- Simplicity can be more effective, as demonstrated by the defense's use of the phrase "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," which resonated with the jurors.
Definition of Jargon
- Jargon is defined as nonsensical, incoherent, or meaningless talk, a hybrid language or dialect, a specialized or technical language, or speech or writing with unusual or pretentious vocabulary.
- Jargon is not the same as dialect, which is a language used by a specific region or group.
Consequences of Jargon
- Jargon can be used to intimidate or hide the truth, and can be a tool to separate people from their money.
- Incomprehensible jargon is often used by professionals, such as car mechanics, technical salespeople, lawyers, doctors, and business consultants.
Examples of Jargon
- Medical professionals using technical terms that patients and non-medical professionals may not understand.
- IT professionals using technical jargon that is unfamiliar to non-technical people.
- CEOs using vague language to describe a company's "mission," "culture," "vision," and "values" without providing clear direction.
Roots of Jargon
- The urge to use jargon comes from a desire to preserve a false sense of authority and fear of being found out.
- People may collude in others' jargon for fear of looking stupid.
Overcoming Jargon
- To communicate effectively, it's essential to make what you're saying understandable to others.
- Watch for body language cues, such as physical withdrawal, to indicate that someone may not understand what you're saying.
- Instead of asking if someone has questions, ask them to explain what they understand from what you've said.
- Monitor results and be willing to clarify and adjust your communication to ensure understanding.
- Develop a buddy system to help others and yourself improve communication by removing jargon.
The Dangers of Jargon
- Using jargon can be damaging and confuse people, as seen in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where the prosecution's use of complex scientific terms led to confusion among the jurors.
- Simplicity can be more effective, as demonstrated by the defense's use of the phrase "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," which resonated with the jurors.
Definition of Jargon
- Jargon is defined as nonsensical, incoherent, or meaningless talk, a hybrid language or dialect, a specialized or technical language, or speech or writing with unusual or pretentious vocabulary.
- Jargon is not the same as dialect, which is a language used by a specific region or group.
Consequences of Jargon
- Jargon can be used to intimidate or hide the truth, and can be a tool to separate people from their money.
- Incomprehensible jargon is often used by professionals, such as car mechanics, technical salespeople, lawyers, doctors, and business consultants.
Examples of Jargon
- Medical professionals using technical terms that patients and non-medical professionals may not understand.
- IT professionals using technical jargon that is unfamiliar to non-technical people.
- CEOs using vague language to describe a company's "mission," "culture," "vision," and "values" without providing clear direction.
Roots of Jargon
- The urge to use jargon comes from a desire to preserve a false sense of authority and fear of being found out.
- People may collude in others' jargon for fear of looking stupid.
Overcoming Jargon
- To communicate effectively, it's essential to make what you're saying understandable to others.
- Watch for body language cues, such as physical withdrawal, to indicate that someone may not understand what you're saying.
- Instead of asking if someone has questions, ask them to explain what they understand from what you've said.
- Monitor results and be willing to clarify and adjust your communication to ensure understanding.
- Develop a buddy system to help others and yourself improve communication by removing jargon.
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Description
A quiz about the importance of clear language in communication, referencing a personal experience in a high-profile trial.
