How to Take the BS Out of Business Speak | Bob Wiltfong | TED

Summary

The speaker humorously explores the prevalence of 'BS' or business speak in the corporate world, highlighting its elitist nature and potential for exclusion. He shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice on how to simplify jargon, promote inclusivity, and avoid cliches to foster clearer communication. The talk also touches on cultural differences in business language, urging the audience to be mindful of the global context in which they operate.

Takeaways

• 😄 Business Speak, also known as 'BS', is a specialized language used in the workplace that can sometimes obscure clear communication.
• 📚 The speaker compiled a BS dictionary to understand and demystify business jargon.
• 👥 Business speak is often the language of the business elite, predominantly used by a demographic that is not representative of global diversity.
• 🔍 Using jargon can create a barrier to understanding and inclusivity, potentially alienating those who are not familiar with the terms.
• 🤝 To foster inclusivity, it's important to use language that is accessible and understandable to all participants in a conversation.
• 📉 Avoiding the use of business clichés and jargon can lead to clearer and more effective communication.
• 🎯 The origin and cultural context of phrases matter; what may be clear in one culture might be confusing in another.
• 🌐 Recognizing that BS terms can get lost in translation is crucial in a globalized business environment.
• 📝 Understanding the meaning behind business speak and its cultural touchpoints can help in decoding its true message.
• 🏆 The speaker humorously acknowledges the applause for his 'worthless work' of creating a BS dictionary, highlighting the absurdity of overusing jargon.
• 📈 The call to action is to simplify business speak and make it less scalable, promoting clear and direct communication in the workplace.

Q & A

What is the term 'BS' or 'business speak' as described in the script?

In the script, 'BS' or 'business speak' refers to the specialized jargon or terminology used in a professional context, often perceived as unnecessary or inflated language to describe and define things in the workplace.

Why did the speaker start learning about 'BS' or business speak?

The speaker began learning about 'BS' after hearing his wife, a chief marketing officer, use business jargon during a conference call at home, which sparked his curiosity and led him to compile and research a BS dictionary.

What is the main issue with using business speak, according to the speaker?

The main issue with using business speak, as highlighted by the speaker, is that it can be exclusionary, creating a barrier for those who are not familiar with the jargon and potentially alienating them in a professional setting.

How did the speaker's wife introduce him to business speak?

The speaker's wife introduced him to business speak during a conference call at home where she used terms like 'boil the ocean,' 'tiger team,' and 'SWOT analysis,' which he had never heard before.

What is the 'CTA' mentioned in the script?

In the script, 'CTA' stands for 'Call To Action,' which in this context refers to the speaker's goal for his presentation—to make the audience aware of the rise of business speak and suggest ways to simplify it.

What does the speaker suggest as the first way to take the 'BS' out of business speak?

The first suggestion the speaker makes to take the 'BS' out of business speak is to use it inclusively rather than exclusively, meaning one should avoid using jargon to exclude or alienate others.

What is the significance of the phrase 'drinking the Kool-Aid' as explained in the script?

The phrase 'drinking the Kool-Aid' originates from a tragic event in 1978 involving cult leader Jim Jones, where his followers were persuaded to drink a flavored drink laced with cyanide, leading to mass suicide. The phrase is now used to describe blind acceptance or obedience.

Why is it important to know the origin of business speak phrases according to the speaker?

Knowing the origin of business speak phrases is important because it helps ensure that the phrases are used correctly and understood by the audience, preventing miscommunication and cultural misunderstandings.

What is the second takeaway the speaker suggests for simplifying business speak?

The second takeaway is to express fresh ideas without relying on stale business cliches or complex jargon, which can make communication more effective and understandable.

How does the speaker address cultural differences in business speak?

The speaker addresses cultural differences by providing examples of phrases that have different meanings or are expressed differently in various cultures, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these differences to avoid confusion.

What is the final takeaway the speaker provides regarding the use of business speak?

The final takeaway is to be mindful that business speak can be lost in translation, depending on the audience, and to consider the cultural context when using specific phrases or jargon.