Ted Talk Discussion: How to Take the BS Out of Business Speak

At its worst, "business speak" -- or the particular language we use at work -- can be jargony, confusing and even exclusionary. But it doesn't have to be, says journalist and comedian Bob Wiltfong. Showcasing a smattering of corporate acronyms and phrases that don't make much sense without context (think: "OKRs" and "when pigs fly"), he gives three tips on how to cut the BS out of business speak so we can all better understand each other at work.

Let's discuss this 19 min YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41fjuqBaUt4

Note: Please watch the YouTube video prior to the discussion.
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Discussion Questions:

1. From your perspective, what’s the major cause of BS in your work environment?
2. How can leaders ensure their communication includes rather than excludes colleagues?
3. What is the “curse of knowledge”? And how can professionals overcome the "curse of knowledge" to communicate effectively with novices?
4. How is BS used to exert power in the workplace? Have you experienced this personally?
5. How does excessive jargon affect trust and credibility in professional relationships?
6. How does business jargon vary across cultures, and what challenges arise from these differences?

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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:

• Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
• Listen to understand, not to respond.
• Be open-minded and value differences.

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note:

• This book club will always be free and will never accept fundraising, sponsorships, or advertising. The only request is that, because we will usually meet at a local coffee shop, it will be great if participants can order some drinks or meal items during events.