Jargon? Go Easy.

Jargon is Just a Fancy Word for Confusion

Ever read something that made you feel like you needed a secret decoder ring? Like you accidentally stumbled into a scientist’s lab or an accountant’s spreadsheet? That’s jargon, my friend. And it’s not doing you—or your potential clients—any favors.

Jargon is a surefire way to put up a wall between you and your reader. It makes your message sound exclusive, cold, and sometimes downright impossible to understand. You might know exactly what "synergistic integration" or "scalable ecosystem" means, but for your audience, it might as well be a crossword puzzle clue.

Ditch the Jargon. Here’s Why.

No one wants to feel dumb, and using complicated terms is a fast way to make your reader check out. Confused people don’t buy, and they definitely don’t stick around to hear more. But when you speak plainly? You make people feel understood, like you’re on their team. And you get them.

Three Ways to Keep Your Language Clear (and Your Audience Happy)

#1: Write Like You Speak!

Imagine you’re sitting across from a potential customer at a coffee shop. Would you say, “Our product facilitates streamlined, cross-platform collaboration”? Nah. You’d say, “This tool helps you work smoothly with your team, no matter what tech you’re using.” The goal is to be approachable, not to win a corporate bingo game.

#2: Use Real-World Examples

If you have to use a term that might be unfamiliar, explain it like you would to a friend. Let’s say you need to mention "conversion rate." Instead of assuming everyone knows what that is, add a quick note: “Conversion rate (basically, how many people click ‘buy’ after visiting your website)…” It takes the pressure off your reader to figure it out on their own.

#4: Swap Out Fancy Words for Simple Ones

Jargon is often just a fancy disguise for simple ideas. Instead of "utilize," say "use." Instead of "leverage," say "take advantage of." Your goal is to get the message across, not to sound like an academic paper. If a ten-year-old can understand it, you’re on the right track.

The Bottom Line

The clearer your writing, the stronger your connection with your audience. Toss the jargon. Keep it real. Speak in a way that makes people say, "Ah, I get it!" instead of "What does that mean?" Remember, the best copy feels like a conversation, not a puzzle.