Drop the jargon

Go Jargon Free

Drop the Jargon day is on Tuesday 24th October. This is an initiative launched by The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) Australia, to encourage professionals in Australian health, community services and local government to use plain language.

To take the pledge you must:

• Use plain language in all communication – with other staff and with clients.
• Not use acronyms.
• Simply and clearly explain medical and other technical terminology.
• Check that information has been understood by your clients.
• Work with a professional interpreter when your clients have low English proficiency.
• Politely point out when your colleagues use jargon.

Jargon Free Fridays

It is great to see more initiatives like this taking place. If you would like to take up the challenge more than once a year and you are not in the health industry, then head to www.jargonfreefridays.com and take up the challenge this Friday.

Remember that every time we use jargon, we disconnect and isolate people. So let’s try to reduce the jargon, eliminate acronyms and start talking in a way that is real.

Will you join me and drop the jargon?

Take up the challenge or do you need to run it up the flagpole first?

Gabrielle Dolan is a trainer, mentor and keynote speaker specialising in storytelling, thought leadership and women in leadership. She is considered a global thought leader in storytelling and an expert in business communications. She is the founder of Jargon Free Fridays and her latest book Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling is available online and in all reputable bookstores. Contact Gabrielle here.