English Corporate Language | 21 Examples of Jargon, Buzzwords, & Corporate Speak

Summary

In this video script, Annemarie from Speak Confident English addresses the prevalence of business jargon in the corporate world. She categorizes 21 common examples of such jargon, explaining their real meanings and offering alternatives for clearer communication. The script discusses the purposes of using jargon, including buying time, strengthening communication, expressing caution, brainstorming, guiding teams, and expressing momentum. Annemarie encourages understanding jargon to participate in business conversations confidently, while advocating for clear and concise language to enhance communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 The business world is filled with jargon that can make English sound like a different language, often complicating communication.
• 📝 Phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions like 'touch base' and 'circle back' are common in business settings and can be confusing for non-native speakers.
• 🤔 Jargon can be frustrating because it's often unnecessary and can be replaced with simpler, more concise language.
• 📚 The lesson introduces 21 examples of business jargon categorized by their purpose, helping to demystify their meanings.
• 🗣️ Some jargon is used to buy time, like 'I'm just trying to think through this', which means the speaker is still evaluating or problem-solving.
• 🔄 'Circle back on this later' is another phrase indicating the speaker will return to a topic at a later time.
• 🔒 Phrases like 'be careful with that one' and 'it can open up a can of worms' are used to express caution or warn of potential complications.
• 💡 'Let's brainstorm' and 'take a stab at it' are examples of jargon used to encourage creative thinking and idea sharing in team meetings.
• 🚀 'Bring your A game' and 'get the ball rolling' are phrases used to motivate and encourage team members to perform at their best and start initiatives.
• 📈 Terms like 'gaining ground' and 'losing steam' describe the momentum or stability of a business situation, indicating progress or setbacks.
• 🌐 The use of jargon can be situational and may be more about fitting in with the popular language of the business environment rather than clarity of communication.

Q & A

What is the main challenge that English learners may face in a business setting according to the script?

The main challenge is the use of business jargon, phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, and smart sounding phrases that can make the conversation sound like a completely different language, making it difficult for learners to understand what is being said in meetings.

What is the purpose of using business jargon according to the script?

The purpose of using business jargon is to share information, express ideas, and give details in a business context. However, it can also be used to buy time, strengthen communication, express caution, brainstorm, guide and encourage a team, and express momentum and stability.

What does the phrase 'let's touch base tomorrow' mean in a business context?

The phrase 'let's touch base tomorrow' means to have a conversation or check-in on a particular topic or issue the next day.

What does the script suggest about the necessity of business jargon?

The script suggests that business jargon is often unnecessary and can be replaced by simpler and more concise language. It can sometimes be used to hide a lack of clarity in one's thoughts.

What is the role of Speak Confident English in helping English learners?

Speak Confident English, led by Annemarie, provides weekly lessons aimed at building fluency, confidence, and providing strategies for effective communication in English, including understanding and using business jargon.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'let me circle back on that' in the script?

The phrase 'let me circle back on that' means to return to a topic or issue at a later time for further discussion or resolution.

What does the script suggest as a better approach to communication in business?

The script suggests that using clear, simple, and accurate language is a better approach to communication in business, as it helps in being a more effective communicator.

What is the significance of the student Luis in the context of this script?

Luis, a student of Annemarie, inspired this lesson by maintaining a list of common buzzwords and business jargon he encountered in the corporate world, highlighting the prevalence of such language in the workplace.

How does the script categorize the examples of business jargon?

The script categorizes the examples of business jargon based on their purpose, such as buying time, strengthening communication, expressing caution, brainstorming, guiding and encouraging a team, and expressing momentum and stability.

What does the script advise regarding the use of business jargon in conversations?

The script advises that while it can be fun to use business jargon occasionally, it is more important to understand it. It emphasizes the importance of clear understanding over the use of jargon for the sake of appearing knowledgeable.