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Copywriting Tip: Jargon--How and When to Use It (or Not)
Jargon can be frustrating. For those of you who have ever started a new job and were handed a glossary of terms so you can understand what's going on in team meetings, you know what I mean. For those who wonder what I mean, jargon is the "industry-speak" for any particular topic. For computers, it's techno-geek speak. For corporate cubicle dwellers, it's probably full of acronyms and verbose statements about objectives, targets and satisfying the fiscal responsibility. The medical field, the stock market, chat groups, etc. all have their own jargon. Jargon is very specific and usually uses different vocabulary than the average, non-industry person might use in conversation. Because of this, it's like speaking Greek unless the person already knows what you mean. Not so good on a website where you could attract people who don't know what you mean...people who would buy what you're selling if they could just figure out what you're saying. Usually unique technical vocabulary, one aspect of jargon, can be explained more simply, so that's pretty easy to deal with. Acronyms, on the other hand, don't always become clearer when the meaning of each letter is explained. They take more effort to use clearly in writing. Here are some Tips on How and When to Use Jargon: Use the plainest words you can without compromising meaning. If you don't have to use jargon, don't, especially for website designed for beginners. You can take more liberties if the site is focused to intermediate or advanced users, but be sure that your mission is clear. Before introducing an acronym, give the full words first, with a definition if possible. For example, let's take this statement: "Search engine optimization (SEO), focuses on designing your site so people searching for your topic can find you." Notice that before using an acronym ("SEO") I used the full words and then paraphrased what it means. At that point, I could then go on in the text using "SEO" without further explanation. Create a glossary for reference. If the above suggestion causes your writing to be too wordy for your taste or if you need to use a large number of acronyms and jargon, include a glossary and/or dictionary to help out. Some websites make the difficult words link to a further explanation page. Some group all the phrases together in a separate area which they reference at the beginning (or sometimes the end) of the text. Ask someone who doesn't know your industry or specialty as well as you do to read your work for understandability. Personally, I rely on my Mom. She is intelligent, insightful, understands my focus, and is kind but honest. Find yourself someone like that to be your sounding board and editor. Be sure to listen to their feedback and don't be too prideful to edit your work. It's not about you, but about your listener understanding your message. The whole point is that it's easy to have blind spots as an expert. Be open and willing to be creative in solving any comprehension challenges. As much as I try to avoid it or at least introduce it after explanation, I still mess up and let some jargon slip. We all do. So, forgive me if I do that, send me a question about "what the heck?" when you need more info, and I will continue to improve. Feedback is key, right? Until next time, be well! And, LOL2U! (lots of love to you!...or some would say laughing out loud to you...of some would say lots of luck to you...like I said, acronyms and jargon can be tricky!)
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Contributor's Note
These tips are designed to help the Internet newbie. I hope you enjoy them!
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