Avoid Jargon
Prefer common words to insider terms unless your audience shares them.
What & why
Jargon only communicates when the listener shares the exact definition; otherwise it forces them to guess or quietly disengage, and few people will interrupt to admit they are lost. Plain words let the idea land on the first pass instead of stalling in translation. There is also a status effect: insider terms can read as gatekeeping and create distance, while accessible language signals that you want to be understood. Clear words tend to build more trust than impressive-sounding ones.
Before & after
“We will refactor the monolith to decouple bounded contexts.”
“We will split the big app into smaller parts that work independently.”
When you’ll use it
Client presentations where technical teams explain solutions to business stakeholders
All-hands meetings addressing diverse employee audiences with varying expertise levels
Sales presentations introducing complex products to non-technical decision-makers
Training sessions where experts need to onboard newcomers to the field
Pro tip
When to use this: Use whenever your audience includes people outside your specialty area, or when clarity and broad understanding are more important than technical precision. Swap specialized terms for familiar language or define them briefly.
Questions & answers
Why should I avoid jargon in business presentations?
How do I replace technical jargon with accessible language?
When is it appropriate to use industry jargon in business communication?
Learn more
Practice this concept
Practice clearer speaking
Get AI feedback on hedging language, jargon, filler words, and clarity in your own speech.