BS OUT OF BUSINESS SPEAK - I SEM ENGLISH | COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT | Calicut University

Summary

In Bob Wilfong's engaging talk on business speak, he humorously explores the complexities of jargon in professional settings, emphasizing the need for clarity in communication. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, he shares three practical strategies to minimize confusing terms: polling for common language, recognizing cultural nuances, and advocating for simplicity. By illustrating the impact of exclusive jargon, Wilfong encourages inclusivity and highlights the importance of clear language to foster understanding in diverse audiences. His insights aim to inspire professionals to embrace fresh ideas and appreciate cultural differences, ultimately making business communication more accessible and effective.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces himself as fluent in business speak, humorously referring to it as 'BS'.
• 😀 Business speak is primarily used in professional settings and can often confuse communication.
• 😀 The speaker first encountered 'BS' through his wife, a chief marketing officer, during a conference call.
• 😀 He was inspired to create a 'BS Dictionary' to simplify complex business language.
• 😀 The objective is to translate confusing jargon into simpler terms to reduce misunderstandings.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes three tips to minimize jargon in business communication.
• 😀 He highlights the importance of using common language to explain ideas clearly.
• 😀 The talk stresses the need to avoid stale clichés in favor of fresh ideas in business discussions.
• 😀 Cultural differences can lead to misinterpretations of business terms, making understanding crucial.
• 😀 The speaker concludes by advocating for the use of inclusive language to enhance clarity in communication.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed by Bob Wilfong in the video?

Bob Wilfong discusses the concept of 'business speak' or 'BS,' focusing on how it can create confusion in professional settings and how to simplify communication.

How did Bob Wilfong first encounter business speak?

He first encountered business speak through his wife, a chief marketing officer, who used obscure terms during a conference call, prompting him to compile a 'BS dictionary.'

What are the three tips provided to reduce the use of BS in communication?

The speaker introduces three methods to reduce BS, which include polling the audience on their understanding of specific terms, using common language, and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of clarity in communication?

The speaker emphasizes clarity to ensure ideas are communicated effectively, as using complex jargon can alienate or confuse the audience.

What example does Bob use to illustrate the pitfalls of business speak?

Bob shares a story about a woman named Emily who faced challenges using business jargon in a meeting, showing how such language can exclude people and create misunderstandings.

What does the speaker mean by 'fresh ideas over clichés'?

He encourages the audience to avoid outdated business clichés and instead adopt fresh and innovative ideas in their communication.

How does cultural difference play a role in business communication according to the speaker?

The speaker discusses how cultural differences influence the understanding of business terms and highlights the importance of recognizing these differences for effective communication.

What are the three main takeaways from the video?

The three main takeaways are to use inclusive language, avoid clichés, and appreciate cultural differences in business communication.

What humorous approach does Bob take while explaining business speak?

Bob humorously explains his objective of translating confusing business speak into simpler terms, making the discussion relatable and engaging.

What does the speaker suggest about the contributions of Shakespeare to the English language?

He notes that while some terms are widely understood, many business phrases lack universal recognition, similar to how some of Shakespeare's contributions are known globally.