- 14th July, 2025
- By Rob Lawson
Ditch the Jargon: Speak Plainly in Business for 2025
As we move through the second half of 2025, many professionals are already crafting lists and making predictions about what lies ahead in 2026. It’s that familiar time of year when trends, forecasts, and buzzword-filled insights start filling up our feeds and inboxes. But instead of following the crowd, I've chosen to take a different path, one that highlights what I believe are some of the worst predictions and overused buzzwords we've become far too comfortable with, especially in the world of business.
Why does this trend bother me? Because using too much jargon makes our message confusing, and it can push away the people we’re trying to reach. When we use complicated or trendy words just to sound smart or keep up with others, we often lose the real meaning of what we're saying. Clear and simple language helps people understand us better and builds trust. So let’s take a closer look at why using plain, honest words matters more than ever.
The Dangers of Business Jargon
First up, let's talk about what business jargon is. These are buzzwords and phrases that show up regularly in workplace conversations during meetings, in emails, on calls, or in presentations. They're often used with the intention of sounding professional, efficient, or "in the know." However, more often than not, they don’t add much value to the conversation and can even water down the message.
Examples include:
"Circling back"
instead of simply saying "following up" or "checking in"
"Return to office (RTO)"
is a formal term often used to describe employees coming back to work on-site after remote arrangements
"Let's take this offline"
which usually means “let’s discuss this later in private,” but may leave others unsure about next steps
These terms might feel like they help you blend into a corporate culture or sound like a team player, but it’s worth asking: do they improve communication? In most cases, the answer is no.
Jargon tends to create communication barriers, especially when your audience isn't part of your immediate industry or internal team. It can:
- Confuse clients, customers, or new team members who aren’t familiar with the terminology
- Make your message sound vague or hollow, lacking genuine meaning
- Reduce connection and clarity, which are both crucial for engagement and trust-building
Overusing jargon can make people feel excluded, talked down to, or even uninterested. When communication becomes a guessing game, people tune out. After all, if someone doesn’t fully understand what you’re saying, why should they feel invested or stick around to hear more?
Why Language Simplicity Matters
Now, imagine a world where communication is simple and clear. A world where people choose plain, everyday language to share their thoughts, explain ideas, and connect with others, whether in conversations, emails, or presentations. Why is that effective? Let’s break it down.
For starters, clarity invites understanding. When you're speaking or writing in plain terms, there’s:
- Less room for confusion or misinterpretation
- No need for your audience to "read between the lines"
- A stronger chance that your message will land exactly as you intended
You’re also more likely to connect with a wider, more diverse audience, from seasoned professionals to new customers, clients, or colleagues who may not speak your industry’s language. And at the heart of it, isn’t that what we’re all aiming for? Real, genuine connections, whether in business, relationships, or daily interactions.
Take a moment to consider how Apple markets its products. The company is a masterclass in clear communication enhanced with better SEO content curation techniques for their ads. You won’t find them overloading their ads with dense technical jargon or complicated specs. Instead, they focus on:
Ease of Use
– showing how intuitive their devices are for anyone
Everyday Benefits
– like better photos, faster performance, or seamless integration
Emotional Appeal
– simplicity that makes life better, not more complicated
This communication style is not just clever, it's a huge reason why Apple products have such broad, global appeal. By keeping things simple, they speak directly to people's needs and experiences without overwhelming them.
Predictions for 2025: How Simplicity Can Be Your Strength
In 2025, clarity is more powerful than ever. As the digital world grows noisier and attention spans continue to shrink, the ability to communicate simply and effectively has become a strategic advantage. Steering clear of excessive business jargon isn’t just a stylistic choice anymore; it’s a differentiator. Why blend into a sea of generic buzzwords when you can stand out by being clear, human, and direct?
Refine your message by stripping away unnecessary complexity, rather than dumbing it down. This makes your ideas accessible, engaging, and actionable. In an era prioritizing trust and transparency, simplicity conveys confidence and authenticity, contributing to a strong brand personality.
Here’s how to make simplicity your strength in 2025:
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Invest in understanding your audience:
Whether you're addressing Gen Z professionals, global stakeholders, or AI-integrated teams, tailor your messaging to their context and needs. Clarity starts with empathy.
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Emphasize readability across formats:
From emails and reports to social media and internal chats, cut the clutter. Use short sentences, clear structure, and plain language to get your message across quickly and meaningfully.
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Train your team to communicate with purpose:
Encourage everyone leaders, marketers, support teams to adopt a clear, concise communication style. In remote and hybrid work environments, clarity prevents costly miscommunication.
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Test your messaging regularly:
Don’t assume your message is clear prove it. Run your content past someone outside your industry or role. If they grasp the core message right away, you're on the right track.
Alternatives to Overused Jargon
Let’s break down a few common business phrases, shall we? When someone says “circling back,” they really just mean “following up.” It’s simpler and much easier to understand. Or take “I’m going to talk to that” it sounds vague. Saying “I’ll address that point” is much clearer and gets straight to the point.
The idea here isn’t to cut out business terms just to sound casual. It’s about using words that make sense to everyone, whether you're the CEO or just starting your first job. When you keep your language clear and easy to follow, people are more likely to understand what you’re saying. That makes conversations smoother and communication more effective for everyone.
When your words are clear, your message lands more effectively. People understand you the first time. You avoid misinterpretation, foster stronger connections, and encourage better collaboration. In a world where speed, transparency, and understanding are currency, plain language isn’t just polite, it’s powerful. And that’s a win for everyone involved.
Conclusion
As we move through 2025, it’s a great time to start being more intentional about how we communicate. Clear, simple language can make a big difference whether you’re talking to a customer, working with a client, or just trying to keep your team on the same page. And the best part? You’ll likely start seeing the benefits pretty quickly: better conversations, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger connections all around.
In the fast-paced world of digital world, clarity is everything. As we navigate through trends, strategies, and endless jargon, it's time to cut through the noise. Let’s make 2025 the year we communicate with purpose using simple, plain language that drives real connection. Because in business better marketing strategy is saying more by saying less, it’s not just effective, it’s powerful.