Leading Through Language

Choosing Words That Influence and Inspire

Wiley, 2015

15 min read

10 take-aways

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The language you use helps or hinders you as a leader.

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Communications consultant Bart Egnal writes engagingly about the role that inspiring communication plays in leadership. Drawing upon his experience teaching senior executives to speak effectively, he shows how the terminology you use helps or hinders you as a leader. Many executives find jargon irksome, but continue to use it. Egnal explores why this is so; he explains how to wield jargon as an effective tool and when not to use it at all. He tracks jargon on a spectrum from “useful” to “damaging” while discussing surefire methods for exploiting it effectively. He also discusses ways to harness your use of language to reach your audience, large or small. getAbstract recommends his insightful manual to leaders, managers and public speakers.

Summary

“The Jargon Spectrum”

Your use of language can help or hinder your leadership. Specialized terminology – such as “jargon, buzzwords and corporate-speak” – suggests an absence of sharp, thoughtful planning or speech writing and can undermine your effectiveness. In fact, the business world uses jargon so often that it hampers real leadership. Many executives find such slang irksome, but can’t stop using it. They believe people take them more seriously if they use high-sounding, insider argot.

Consider the benefits and hazards of jargon by visualizing it on a spectrum. On the “useful” side of the spectrum, you’ll find “shorthand jargon, shared-identity jargon” and “assumption-driven jargon.” On the “damaging” end of the spectrum, speakers might use “obfuscation jargon, inflation jargon” and “lack-of-clarity jargon.”

When Jargon Helps

Every industry and profession has its own terminology that can generate useful jargon. Using shared-identity jargon with people who understand it can foster a sense of belonging. You could build rapport with a fellow insider by using this jargon judiciously. Within an organization, certain specialized terms add up to a common...

About the Author

Business writer Bart Egnal is president and CEO of The Humphrey Group communications consultancy.

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C. C. 2 years ago

Try not to use jargon to baffle other and also myself.
J. W. 8 years ago

#30DaysOfSummaries The analysis of Jargon is helpful, and I'm sure many people will benefit from understanding it.
K. S. 8 years ago

#30DaysofSummaries It's almost so easy to take for granted what we say, without knowing the impact it could have, and what it could really sound and mean to the person listening to it. Sincerity, Passionate, and Clarity resonate with me. Being sincere and passionate go hand in hand in my view it can be seen and people will respect you for it. And when you are clear people know what you are about, what they can expect, and what action is expected of them as well. Very useful summary.

Bart Egnal