Why avoid corporate speak and office jargon in media interviews?

Office jargon and corporate speak do appear in some media interviews

Now there are some exceptions. The most obvious one is corporate finance. Pick up a copy of the Financial Times Newspaper, you might as well be reading hieroglyphics.

But for regular news, current affairs and podcasts, plain straightforward, understandable language is a must.

• So on air you would avoid saying, "We are accelerating digital transformation." Instead, you'd say, "we're working quickly to improve our technology."
• You wouldn't say, "We're enhancing collaborative ecosystems." You would say, "we're improving online teamwork."
• And what does, "workforce streamlining and optimisation mean?" It means, "we are making job cuts!"

Get the idea?

Reasons why you shouldn't use corporate speak, office jargon and lingo in media interviews

It's worth pointing out that corporate speak won't make you sound clever on air it'll alienate the audience, be a switch off and be a waste of a journalist's time.

Remember, in your organisation, chances are that you spend most of your time with a specific type of person. 

For example, when I worked for the BBC, many of my colleagues were white, middle class and university-educated. 

But when you are on-air you're not speaking to your peers, you're speaking to a mass audience made up of a diverse group of people from all sorts of backgrounds. It's essential to use language that's accessible to everyone. It's not dumbing down, it's about being clear.

Corporate speak will make listeners and viewers zone out

Also, just because you are talking on TV, Radio or a Podcast, no one has a duty to listen to you. Think about how you consume the media. If someone talks in office lingo that you don't understand, you don't whip out your phone and Google it, you zone out or switch off. If your language is laden with jargon, you risk losing their interest quickly. That's a wasted chance to share your key message.

Journalists dislike poor communication skills including the use of office jargon

And, journalists don't like it. They are trained to communicate clearly. If you drop some corporate speak or an acronym into the conversation they will stop you and ask, " Sorry can you explain what that means?" And that is just wasting your own air time.

Being clear and concise is not just about getting your message across effectively; it's also about respect for the journalist's time and the audience’s understanding. 

And remember, if you're not clear, you won't be asked back. Don't make that mistake.

Need to cut through the jargon, get in touch

As we reach the terminus of this particular instalment of our Media Training Podcast, we extend an open invitation to individuals seeking to elevate their proficiency in the nuanced art of media communication. 

Should you find yourself in a position desiring our bespoke consultancy services, we warmly encourage you to initiate a digital correspondence at the following electronic mail address: hello@bitfamous.co.uk 

We express our sincerest gratitude for your auditory participation and engagement in today's enlightening discourse.

You get the idea!

Wikipedia - Corporate Jargon