It’s far too common for communication to get tangled in a web of jargon, acronyms, and buzzwords. “Let’s circle back after we synergise on the low-hanging fruit” or “we’ll touch base offline and pivot as needed”. For some reason, the moment someone steps into a leadership position, phrases like this suddenly appear in their lexicon. It can become so second nature in corporate offices that many people no longer realise when they’re doing it. Even people who pass snide comments when others use a cliché will still throw their own clichés into the conversation without knowing it.
But jargon often leaves people confused, disenagaged, and slightly embarrassed for the person who just said “Let’s think outside the box” when what they actually meant was “let’s come up with some creative ideas”. That’s where Jargon-Free Fridays come in.
Gabrielle Dolan, an author, keynote speaker, and expert in business communication, is credited with inventing this concept in 2015 and there are some very amusing videos, like the one below, on her YouTube channel to illustrate just how ridiculous corporate jargon can be.
What are Jargon-Free Fridays?
Now that we’re all on the same page and singing from the same hymn sheet….(bugger, I couldn’t stop myself).
Jargon-free Fridays is a simple, intentional practice: one day a week where everyone makes an effort to communicate clearly and directly, ditching the corporate clichés and unnecessary technical lingo. The goal is to cut out the bull**** and behave a bit more normally, as we would in real life, away from the office.
On Jargon-Free Fridays, instead of saying “Let’s ideate on this and run it up the flagpole,” you might say “Let’s come up with a few ideas and share them with the rest of the team.” Simple and clear.
Why It Matters
The benefits of clear communication go beyond avoiding eye-rolls.
- Improves understanding across cross-functional teams. Not everyone on your wider team may be fluent in the latest industry terms, internal acronyms, or niche technical language. This is especially true in remote or global teams. Jargon-free communication ensures everyone’s technical understanding.
- Builds more authentic connections. It’s often the case that people use jargon to hide their true feelings. They may use clichés to mask their lack of comprehension or to avoid an uncomfortable topic. By speaking more clearly and openly with your team, you are helping to build trust.
- Boosts productivity. Less time spent decoding what someone really meant in a message or presentation means more time getting things done. Clear instructions, straightforward feedback, and honest updates keep work moving efficiently.
- Builds respect. When we hear others fill a conversation with jargon and cliches, we might start to wonder what they’re trying to hide. Are they using ambiguity to mask their own incompetence?
- It’s just unnecessary. It does not make you look cool, professional, and well-informed. It’s often cringeworthy and can make you the target of office gossip and the subject of team jokes.
How to Start Jargon-Free Fridays on Your Team
The beauty of this idea is its simplicity. You don’t need a big rollout or a complex policy requiring three signatures of approval from successive levels of authority— just a bit of team interest.
- Introduce the idea. Mention it during a team meeting or in a group WhatsApp message. Share why it matters and how it can improve communication and teamwork.
- Set a playful tone. Encourage people to flag jargon when they hear it, in a friendly way, like a game of bingo. You could have a “jargon jar” and anyone caught using jargon on the day in question has to add a dollar to the jar. Profits could go to buying after-work drinks some time. Drinks next Wednesday sponsored mainly by our Director of Sales & Master of Clichés, John….
- Lead by example. Use clear, plain language in your Friday emails, reports, and meetings. When giving feedback or assigning tasks, focus on clarity over cleverness.
- Make it visible. Remind your team with a recurring calendar event. The more visible and consistent it is, the more it’ll stick.
Final Thought
I think if you suggested reducing the use of jargon in your office, most people would agree that it’s a good idea. Everyone seems to hate it and it has become a running joke in workplaces around the world. Yet teams and leaders continue to speak in riddles like some medieval wizard.
Try Jargon-Free Fridays and see how refreshing it is to swap “Let’s circle back after we’ve increased our bandwidth” for “Let’s talk about this when we’ve got more time.”