Do you ever feel like your presentations are too technical or filled with jargon that leaves your audience confused? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals, especially non-native speakers, struggle to simplify complex ideas when presenting to a diverse audience.
Clear communication is essential in business. Whether you’re explaining technical concepts to clients, presenting to colleagues, or pitching to stakeholders, your goal is to ensure your message is understood—not to overwhelm your audience with technical terms. In this article, we’ll explore how to cut the jargon in your presentations using Business English, ensuring your message is clear, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
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What is Jargon and Why Should You Simplify It?
Jargon refers to specialised language used in specific fields. While it’s useful for experts, it can alienate people who aren’t familiar with it. For example, terms like CRM (Customer Relationship Management), KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), or blockchain are common in certain industries but can confuse those outside of them.
Simplifying jargon is crucial because it:
- Engages your audience by making your message relatable.
- Builds trust by showing you care about their understanding.
- Achieves your goals by ensuring your key points are clear.
Remember, your goal is to communicate effectively, not to impress with technical terms.
Three Techniques to Simplify Jargon
Here are three proven techniques to make your presentations jargon-free and easy to follow:
1. Replace Jargon with Plain Language
Swap technical terms for simple, everyday language. For example:
- Jargon: “The API (Application Programming Interface) allows seamless integration between platforms.”
- Plain Language: “The API is a tool that helps two systems communicate with each other.”
Another example:
- Jargon: “The CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of our revenue is 10% over the last three years.”
- Plain Language: “Our revenue has grown by an average of 10% each year over the last three years.”
Tip: Focus on what the audience needs to know. Explain the function or purpose of the term rather than its technical details.
2. Use Analogies and Metaphors
Analogies and metaphors are powerful tools for making technical concepts relatable. They connect unfamiliar ideas to something your audience already understands. For example:
- Jargon: “An API is a tool that helps two systems communicate.”
- Analogy: “An API is like a waiter in a restaurant—it takes your order to the kitchen and brings your food back.”
Another example:
- Jargon: “A firewall protects your network from unauthorised access.”
- Analogy: “A firewall is like a security guard—it blocks unauthorised people from entering the building.”
Tip: Choose analogies that are familiar to your audience and simplify the concept without adding confusion.
3. Break Down Complex Terms
Sometimes, a single technical term can feel overwhelming. Breaking it into smaller, simpler parts makes it easier to understand. For example:
- Jargon: “Blockchain is a decentralised ledger that records transactions securely.”
- Breakdown: “Think of blockchain as a digital notebook. Everyone in the group has a copy, and every time someone writes in it, everyone else’s notebook gets updated. This makes it secure because no one can change the information without everyone agreeing.”
Another example:
- Jargon: “Cloud computing provides scalable, on-demand access to computing resources.”
- Breakdown: “Cloud computing is like renting a storage unit. Instead of buying your own space, you rent it when you need it. For example, you can use the cloud to store files online instead of buying a new hard drive.”
Tip: Use step-by-step explanations and real-life examples to make complex terms more relatable.
Useful Phrases to Simplify Jargon
Here are some phrases you can use during your presentation to signal that you’re about to simplify a concept:
- “In simple terms, this means…”
- “To put it another way…”
- “What this really means is…”
- “Think of it like this…”
For example:
- “Our CRM system leverages machine learning to improve customer retention. In simple terms, this means the system uses data to predict what our customers need and helps us keep them happy.”
These phrases help your audience follow along and make your presentation more engaging.
Watch the Video for Further Understanding
Want to see these techniques in action? Watch my video, “Cut the Jargon in Presentations Using Business English,” where I provide detailed examples and practical advice to help you simplify technical language and deliver clear, impactful presentations.
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