Jargon is unnecessarily complicated language used to impress, rather than to inform, your audience. Show
Technical languageWhen we say not to use jargon, we’re not advocating leaving out necessary technical terms, but we are saying to make sure your language is as clear as possible. For example, there may not be another correct way to refer to a “brinulator valve control ring.” But that doesn’t prevent you from saying “tighten the brinulator valve control ring securely” instead of “Apply sufficient torque to the brinulator valve control ring to ensure that the control ring assembly is securely attached to the terminal such that loosening cannot occur under normal conditions.” The first is a necessary use of a technical term. The second is jargon. Special terms can be useful shorthand within a particular audience and may be the clearest way to communicate with that group. However, going beyond necessary technical terms to write in jargon can cause misunderstanding or alienation, even if your only readers are specialists. Readers complain about jargon more than any other writing fault, because writers often fail to realize that terms they know well may be difficult or meaningless to their audience. Try to substitute everyday language for jargon as often as possible. Consider the following pairs. The plainer version conveys technical information just as accurately as and more clearly than the jargon-laden version.
When you have no way to express an idea except to use technical language, make sure to define your terms. However, it’s best to keep definitions to a minimum. Remember to write to communicate, not to impress. If you do that, you should naturally use less jargon. For more on definitions, see Dealing with definitions. Legal languageLegal language is a major source of annoying jargon. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith.” Professor Joseph Kimble (2006), a noted scholar on legal writing, warns that we should avoid words and formalisms that give legal writing its musty smell. He includes the following words in his list of examples:
“Shall” is also losing its popularity in legal circles. Obviously, it’s especially important in regulations to use words of authority clearly, and many legal writing experts recommend avoiding the archaic and ambiguous “shall” in favor of another word, depending on your meaning. Read more about “shall” in Use “must” to convey requirements. Business jargonHere is a brief list of meaningless filler phrases:
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ObjectiveExplain the different claims about McMurphy among the staff. Readings and Materials
Fishtank Plus Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress. Target TaskQuestion 1Which of the following best describes the first boy’s (Alvin’s) main claim about McMurphy? Question 2Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? Question 3Which of the following best describes the first resident’s claim about McMurphy on p. 155? Question 4Which of the following best describes Nurse Ratched’s claim about McMurphy on p. 157-158? Question 5Based on the chapter, one commonality in the stances that all staff take toward McMurphy is that: Key Questions
NotesThere is quite a bit of mental health jargon in today’s reading. The teacher should consider how to make clear the meaning of these terms to students. Which of the following statements describes how substitution occurs in communication?Which of the following statements describes how substitution occurs in communication? Nonverbal messages replace verbal statements.
Which best describes nonverbal communication quizlet?What statements best describes nonverbal communication? -Nonverbal communication affects our judgments of people subconsciously.
Which best describes communication competence?Communicative competence is the ability to achieve communicative goals in a socially appropriate manner. It is organized and goal-oriented, i.e. it includes the ability to select and apply skills that are appropriate and effective in the respective context.
What is the best general strategy for eye contact in conversation in US culture?Use the 50/70 rule.
To maintain appropriate eye contact without staring, you should maintain eye contact for 50 percent of the time while speaking and 70% of the time while listening. This helps to display interest and confidence.
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