Where information is often consumed at a rapid pace, the importance of clear, accessible communication cannot be overstated. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a report, or crafting marketing materials, the goal is the same – ensure your audience understands your message. However, there’s one common pitfall that often gets in the way of that goal: jargon.
Jargon refers to specialised terms or phrases that may be familiar to those within a particular industry or profession, but which can confuse or alienate a broader audience. Overusing jargon can make your writing feel exclusive and difficult to understand, limiting its reach and impact. By focusing on improving readability, you’ll ensure that your writing is more inclusive, understandable, and engaging.
What is Jargon?
Jargon typically develops within specialised fields and can be useful when experts need to communicate efficiently. However, problems arise when this specialised language seeps into communications intended for a general audience or a group that may not share the same level of expertise.
For instance, terms like ‘synergy’, ‘low-hanging fruit’, or ‘bandwidth’ may be common in business settings, but they could leave an average reader puzzled. Instead of enhancing your communication, jargon can act as a barrier, alienating your audience rather than connecting with them.
This article will explore why avoiding jargon is essential and how to improve the overall readability of your content. Additionally, when it comes to putting this into practice, a good writing tool can help.
Why Avoiding Jargon Matters
Inclusivity and Reach
One of the primary reasons to avoid jargon is to make your content more inclusive. When you’re using complex or unfamiliar terms, you run the risk of leaving out those who aren’t ‘in the know’. If your goal is to reach a broad audience, whether in your writing or speaking, the last thing you want to do is alienate potential readers by making them feel confused or excluded.
In a professional setting, for example, a client unfamiliar with certain industry-specific terms might not fully grasp the value you’re offering. If they don’t understand, they might not trust your expertise, even though you are perfectly capable. Simplifying your language increases your chances of reaching a larger audience and establishing a stronger connection.
Enhances Understanding and Engagement
Clear, simple language not only makes your message more accessible but also improves engagement. If readers have to pause and look up words or try to decipher what you’re saying, they are more likely to lose interest or give up altogether. By removing jargon, your audience can focus on the message itself rather than struggling with the vocabulary. This results in smoother communication and a stronger impact.
Improves Credibility
Another key reason to avoid jargon is credibility. Overuse of buzzwords and industry slang can make you appear insincere or even make it seem like you’re hiding behind fancy language to cover up a lack of substance. On the other hand, using plain language shows confidence in your ideas and builds trust with your audience.
Tips for Avoiding Jargon
1. Know Your Audience
The first step in reducing jargon is knowing who you’re writing or speaking to. Are they familiar with your industry or field? If not, avoid specialised terms or, if necessary, take the time to explain them. Tailoring your language to your audience is key to ensuring they stay engaged and understand your message.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of simplicity. Even if someone is familiar with your terminology, they are unlikely to complain if your message is clear and easy to digest.
2. Use Plain Language
Plain language is the backbone of good communication. Where possible, replace technical or complex terms with simpler alternatives. For example, instead of saying ‘utilise’, say ‘use’. Instead of ‘optimal’, say ‘best’. It’s about keeping things straightforward and understandable, without dumbing them down.
A great trick is to imagine explaining your point to a friend who knows nothing about your industry. If you find yourself using a word or phrase that wouldn’t make sense to them, it’s a sign you need to simplify it.
3. Provide Context and Explanations
There will be times when technical terms are necessary, particularly if you’re addressing a more specialised topic. In these cases, providing context or a quick explanation can go a long way towards improving readability. For instance, if you’re talking about ‘SEO’, you could briefly explain that it stands for ‘Search Engine Optimisation’, which is the practice of improving a website’s visibility on search engines.
This approach helps you maintain the accuracy and specificity of your content while ensuring that readers who are less familiar with the topic aren’t left behind.
4. Avoid Overloading Sentences with Complex Phrases
Another common issue with jargon is that it often leads to long, convoluted sentences. When trying to explain something, we might feel the need to pack in every technical term and industry phrase we know, which can result in overly complex sentences. This can confuse the reader, and they may lose track of the point you’re trying to make.
Instead, break your sentences into manageable chunks. Use active voice, and keep your sentences short and punchy. This helps keep the reader’s attention and improves overall clarity.
5. Edit with Fresh Eyes
After you’ve written something, it’s essential to go back and review it with a fresh perspective. Ask yourself if there are any terms or phrases that could be confusing to someone outside your field. You can even ask a colleague or friend who isn’t familiar with the topic to review your work and give you feedback on clarity.
By doing so, you’ll often spot areas where you might have unintentionally included jargon. This final editing process is crucial to ensuring your writing remains clear and accessible.
Improving Readability: Best Practices
![Infographic Of Writing Tips](https://i0.wp.com/www.compareclever.com/wp-content/uploads/TIps-to-Reduce-Jargon-canva.png?fit=800%2C2000&ssl=1)
Large paragraphs can be overwhelming and make content feel dense. To improve readability, break up long sections into smaller paragraphs, use bullet points, or add subheadings to give the reader visual breaks. This will encourage them to keep reading and make the content more digestible.
2. Use Simple Sentence Structures
When crafting your content, avoid using overly complex sentence structures. Simple sentences with one main idea are easier to read and comprehend. If you’re trying to express more than one idea, separate them into different sentences or paragraphs.
3. Utilise White Space
White space – the empty space around text – is a critical element of readability. It helps make content less intimidating and easier to scan. Be sure to use adequate margins, line breaks, and spacing between paragraphs to make your text more inviting.
4. Choose Readable Fonts and Sizes
If you’re writing for a website or digital platform, consider the font and size of your text. Large, clear fonts with sufficient spacing are much easier on the eyes and encourage readers to engage with your content. Avoid fonts that are too ornate or difficult to read.
Final Thoughts
Improving readability and avoiding jargon are key to ensuring that your communication resonates with your audience. By using plain language, breaking down complex ideas, and considering your readers’ perspective, you can craft messages that are clear, engaging, and impactful. If you’re really struggling, don’t forget to grab a writing tool to help you out.
It’s not about dumbing down your content – it’s about making sure your message is understood. So, the next time you’re writing, take a moment to think about the language you’re using. Is it accessible? Could someone outside your industry easily follow along? If not, it’s time to simplify.
Your readers will thank you for it.
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