Jargon 6 syllable words need not apply By

Jargon: 6 syllable words need not apply By: Charity Slobod

You understand, but do they? 1) Each partner takes a different visual sheet 2) Try describing the visual on your sheet, while the other draws what you say 3) Switch (repeat) Questions: 1) Did your drawings match the visual sheet? 2) What did you partner do well? What would have been more helpful? 3) How does this apply to “Jargon”?

If “Jargon” was a moat… Inside the field Be a bridge to information! Everyone else… https: //techcrunch. com/2011/03/25/search-googles-castle-moat/

Jargon explained • Is there one ubiquitous way to describe jargon? • Abstract vs. Specifics • Different types (business, science, arts…) • Jargon to some, explanatory to others • How to best drain the “moat”?

Differences of meaning What are signs or sign systems? Basic definition: a sign is something that conveys meaning Denotation/Connotation • • Denotative: an initial meaning a sign intends to define (“dictionary definition”) Connotative: an open definition using word associations, analogies, or subjective thinking Challenges with cultural, subjective, familial, & educational differences which help ground meaning Same page!

Combined Difficulties • Do people care? Are they listening? Using language which resonates with more people entices them to care or listen closely. • Explaining “why should they care” instead of the “what” or the “how” of your research. People connect emotionally to what you say. Start with your story not your approach. • Internal research format and the external must differ through languaging.

Is this jargon? • Narrative, biomass, optics, TOFU, optics, “The Other”, utilize, chemical-compound, astrometry, binary, stress analysis, gothic, ibuprofen, aspiration, cryopreservation, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious • Why or why not? What type of jargon?

Why not use jargon? • Audience alienation Herd mentality, and nobody wants to look stupid by you to clarify or “what does that mean”? • “High-Nose Academics” (aka. the intellectual show-off) • Big words + ME = SMART – insecure professional? Be a leader and make your research more accessible. • Employers want to see this done right!

Lose the jargon practice • Speak/write to different audiences • The parent test! • Teach new words figure out creative ways to approach what you say/write • Take a step back from your research and see the larger picture

Questions? Shameless pitch to try a 3 MT…