One of my biggest pet peeves when people talk about their area of expertise is the use of acronyms and jargon. Politicians and those working in government are the worst offenders, but every profession has its insider jargon and acronyms.

Today I am asking you, no I am begging you, to stop using it when you are talking to the press! In fact, stop using it when you are talking to anyone outside your professional field.

It isn’t easy because day in and day out you are using it in the workplace. And since you are so close to your professional topic area you don’t even notice it. But others do.

I was reminded of this the other day while listening to the radio. One of the local stations is playing audio job listings where a lucky person gets a spot to pitch themselves for a job. A gentleman with management experience in international sales was pitching himself and his spot was filled with so much business mumbo jumbo that it was useless. It sounded like a bad SNL skit.

Speak plainly whenever possible, your audience will thank you…and actually understand you!