Jargon: Friend or Foe?

You have just finished your report into the structural integrity of fuel lines for the latest Boeing 747. To you it sounds fantastic. You describe each aspect of the fuel lines in details, use the appropriate words that the industry knows, and deliever it in a concise manner.


The CEO takes a look at it...'what's a fuel line?' he asks.


Jargon has reared its ugly head. Jargon is not necessarly bad English. More it can be considered as inappropriate.

To a group of specalists in fuel lines, it is perfectly fine to use. To senior executives or the media who don't know the technical detail, it isn't ok to use. Below are some tips to help you use jargon appropriately.

• Who is the audience? Are they experts in your field?
• What is the message you want to get across?
• Is there another way to say it without using Jargon?
• Test your writing and use of jargon on people outside the industry
• Is there a simplier way to write what you mean?

So, jargon does have a use and can be beneficial in getting messages across. Just make sure that your audiance knows the jargon, and if they don't use plain English and simple details to explain what you mean.