Why Business People Speak Like Idiots

Key Takeaways

1. Ditch the corporate jargon and speak like a human

Don't gimme none o' that jibba-jabba!

Jargon obscures meaning. Corporate-speak, filled with buzzwords and industry-specific terminology, often confuses rather than clarifies. It creates a barrier between you and your audience, making it difficult for them to understand and engage with your message.

Speak plainly and directly. Instead of using complex, multi-syllabic words or acronyms, opt for simple, everyday language that anyone can understand. This approach not only makes your message clearer but also more relatable and memorable. For example:

• Instead of: "We need to leverage our synergies to optimize our core competencies."
• Say: "We need to work together to improve what we do best."

Use concrete examples. Replace abstract concepts with specific, tangible illustrations that your audience can easily grasp and remember. This helps bridge the gap between complex ideas and real-world applications.

2. Embrace brevity: Short and simple trumps long and complex

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Conciseness is powerful. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, at just 270 words, is remembered as one of the greatest speeches in history. In contrast, the main orator's two-hour, 13,500-word speech is largely forgotten.

Quality over quantity. Focus on delivering your core message clearly and concisely. Avoid the temptation to pad your presentations or documents with unnecessary information. Remember:

• Shorter sentences are easier to understand and remember
• One-syllable words build momentum and impact
• Bullet points can help break down complex ideas

Edit ruthlessly. After drafting your message, challenge yourself to cut it down by at least 25%. This process forces you to identify and prioritize your most important points, resulting in a more impactful and memorable communication.

3. Avoid evasiveness: Honesty and directness build trust

I was dead wrong.

Embrace transparency. When facing difficult situations or mistakes, resist the urge to sugarcoat or evade the truth. Honest, straightforward communication builds credibility and trust with your audience.

Address concerns head-on. Anticipate potential objections or criticisms and address them proactively. This demonstrates that you've thought through the issues and are prepared to engage in open dialogue. For example:

• Acknowledge challenges: "We've faced some setbacks in our project timeline."
• Offer solutions: "Here's how we plan to address these delays and get back on track."

Use clear, unambiguous language. Avoid vague statements or corporate doublespeak that can leave your audience confused or suspicious. Instead, opt for direct, specific language that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

4. Inject your personality to stand out from the corporate crowd

You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.

Be authentically you. In a sea of corporate conformity, your unique personality can be your greatest asset. Don't be afraid to let your individuality shine through in your communications and presentations.

Show your human side. Share personal anecdotes, opinions, and even vulnerabilities when appropriate. This helps create a genuine connection with your audience and makes you more relatable and memorable. For example:

• Use humor (when appropriate)
• Share personal experiences related to the topic
• Express genuine emotions and reactions

Break away from templates. While templates can be useful starting points, relying on them too heavily can make your communications feel generic and forgettable. Instead, use them as a loose framework and infuse your own style and creativity.

5. Use humor strategically to engage your audience

I've given my aides instructions that if trouble breaks out in any of the world's hot spots, they should wake me up immediately—even if I'm in a Cabinet meeting.

Humor builds rapport. Well-placed jokes or light-hearted comments can help break the ice, relieve tension, and make your audience more receptive to your message. Studies have shown that executives who use humor effectively are perceived more positively and tend to be more successful.

Keep it appropriate and relevant. The key is to use humor that enhances your message without overshadowing it. Avoid offensive or controversial jokes, and ensure your humor is relevant to your topic. Safe targets for humor include:

• Self-deprecating jokes (within reason)
• Relatable everyday situations
• Gentle parodies of industry norms or practices

Practice and timing are crucial. Like any skill, using humor effectively requires practice. Pay attention to your delivery and timing, and be prepared to adjust based on your audience's reactions.

6. Prioritize face-to-face and voice communication over email

Pick up the damn phone.

Personal interaction builds stronger connections. While email is convenient, it often lacks the nuance and personal touch of face-to-face or voice communication. Prioritize in-person meetings or phone calls for important discussions or when building relationships.

Email pitfalls to avoid:

• Overuse of "Reply All"
• Lengthy, unfocused messages
• Relying on email for sensitive or complex topics

When to choose voice or face-to-face:

• Discussing sensitive or emotional topics
• Brainstorming or problem-solving sessions
• Building rapport with new colleagues or clients
• Delivering important news (good or bad)

Remember, a five-minute phone call can often accomplish more than a lengthy email exchange and helps foster a more personal connection.

7. Acknowledge mistakes and show vulnerability

Your government failed you . . . and I failed you. We tried hard, but that doesn't matter because we failed. And for that failure, I would ask . . . for your understanding and for your forgiveness.

Admitting mistakes builds credibility. Contrary to popular belief, acknowledging errors doesn't make you appear weak. Instead, it demonstrates integrity, self-awareness, and a commitment to improvement.

How to effectively own up to mistakes:

1. Be prompt and proactive in addressing the issue
2. Take personal responsibility (avoid blame-shifting)
3. Explain what happened without making excuses
4. Outline steps to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences
5. Express genuine remorse and a commitment to do better

Vulnerability fosters connection. Sharing challenges, doubts, or personal struggles (within appropriate boundaries) can make you more relatable and approachable to your team or audience.

8. Focus on your audience's needs, not just your message

Make your point by making theirs.

Understand your audience's perspective. Before crafting your message, take time to consider your audience's concerns, interests, and potential objections. This allows you to tailor your communication to address their specific needs and increase its relevance and impact.

Techniques for audience-centric communication:

• Conduct informal surveys or conversations before important presentations
• Start with addressing potential objections or concerns
• Use examples and analogies that resonate with your audience's experiences
• Encourage and welcome questions and feedback

Demonstrate empathy. Show that you understand and care about your audience's challenges and goals. This creates a stronger connection and makes them more receptive to your ideas and proposals.

9. Harness the power of storytelling to make your point

Sometimes, simple props are all you need to tell a memorable story.

Stories stick. Human brains are wired to remember narratives better than facts and figures alone. Incorporating storytelling into your communications can make your message more engaging, memorable, and persuasive.

Elements of effective business storytelling:

• Clear structure (beginning, middle, end)
• Relatable characters or situations
• Concrete details and sensory language
• A central conflict or challenge
• Resolution or lesson learned

Types of stories to use:

• Personal anecdotes
• Customer success stories
• Historical examples or case studies
• Hypothetical scenarios
• Analogies or metaphors

Remember to tie your story back to your main point or message to ensure its relevance and impact.

10. Pay attention to nonverbal cues and presentation style

Human beings are hardwired to draw much more meaning from people than they are from the information that people present.

Nonverbal communication matters. Research suggests that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal, encompassing tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language. Neglecting these aspects can undermine even the most well-crafted message.

Key areas to focus on:

• Body language: Maintain open posture, make appropriate eye contact
• Vocal variety: Vary your tone, pace, and volume for emphasis
• Facial expressions: Ensure your expressions match your message
• Appearance: Dress appropriately for your audience and context

Authenticity is key. While it's important to be mindful of your nonverbal cues, don't try to adopt a persona that feels unnatural. Instead, focus on aligning your verbal and nonverbal communication to present a genuine, cohesive message.

Practice and seek feedback. Regularly video record your presentations and seek honest feedback from trusted colleagues to identify areas for improvement in your nonverbal communication.

Last updated: November 8, 2024

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