How to Take the BS Out of Business Speak | Bob Wiltfong | TED

The Language of BS

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of "BS" or business speak and explains its use in the workplace.

Introduction to Business Speak

• Business speak, also known as BS, is the language used on the job to describe and define things.

• At work, people tend to use business speak instead of everyday language.

• The speaker's wife, who works as a chief marketing officer, introduced him to the language of BS through a conference call.

Making Fun of Business Speak

• Initially, the speaker found it amusing and made fun of his wife's use of business speak.

• He dedicated years to compiling a dictionary of BS terms and researching their meanings.

Recognition for Worthless Work

• The speaker humorously mentions that he can now tell his kids that an auditorium full of people applauded him for his work on the BS dictionary.

The Rise of BS in Our Globalized Economy

This section highlights how business speak is becoming more prevalent in our globalized economy and discusses its impact.

The Complexity of Business Speak

• The speaker presents his presentation as a call to action regarding the rise of business speak in our globalized economy.

• He acknowledges that understanding business speak can be challenging for those unfamiliar with it.

Lack of Common Language

• Business speak is not a common language but rather one used by an elite group.

• Research shows that many individuals who are fluent in business speak are white males.

Speaking BS for Success

• To succeed in today's corporate world, it can be beneficial to become adept at speaking business speak.

Taking the BS Out of Business Speak

This section provides three strategies for removing the unnecessary complexity and confusion from business speak.

Polling the Audience

• The speaker engages the audience by asking them to stomp their feet if they understand certain BS terms related to finance.

• This exercise highlights that some terms are more widely understood than others.

Simplifying Business Speak

• The speaker suggests that simplifying business speak can make it more accessible and less confusing.

• Using common language instead of complex jargon can help remove the BS from business speak.

The Problem with Business Speak

This section discusses the issue of business speak being a language primarily used by an elite group.

Lack of Diversity in Business Speak

• Business speak is predominantly used by white males, reflecting a lack of diversity in its usage.

• Many influential figures in business history have been white males, contributing to this trend.

Implications for Success

• To succeed in certain industries or reach high positions, individuals may feel pressured to adopt and use business speak effectively.

Drawbacks of Speaking BS

This section explores the drawbacks of using business speak as a means of communication.

A Personal Anecdote

• The speaker shares a story about his friend Emily, who faced challenges when trying to communicate with a group of older white men at a meeting.

Limitations and Consequences

• While speaking BS may be advantageous in some situations, there are limitations and potential negative consequences associated with it.

New Section

This section discusses the reasons why people use business jargon and how it can create barriers in communication.

Reasons for Using Business Jargon

• Three possible reasons for using business jargon are discussed.

• The "curse of knowledge" phenomenon is explained, where experts may not realize that others do not understand their language.

• Corporate consultants advise companies to reduce jargon to improve communication with employees and clients.

Handling Communication Barriers

• Providing new employees with a directory of industry terms can help them understand discussions and avoid confusion.

• Some individuals may use jargon to assess someone's knowledge or keep distance rather than building rapport.

• In some cases, people may simply be acting as jerks, but changing the approach can lead to better outcomes.

Takeaways for Effective Communication

• The first takeaway is to use inclusive language instead of exclusive jargon.

• Being able to explain concepts in common language is a victory in effective communication.

• Good communication involves expressing fresh ideas without relying on stale clichés or complex terminology.

New Section

This section emphasizes the importance of clear and concise communication in business settings.

Avoiding Complex Terminology

• Using big words or technical terms unnecessarily can hinder understanding and create confusion.

• Sharing ideas without relying on excessive jargon leads to better communication outcomes.

Cultural Touchpoints

• Shakespearean phrases like "wild goose chase," "break the ice," and "in a pickle" have become part of the English language.

• Cultural references can enhance communication by providing context and familiarity.

New Section

This section provides an introduction to the topic of business jargon and its impact on communication.

Introduction

• The speaker introduces the topic of business jargon and its prevalence in corporate settings.

• The negative consequences of excessive jargon are highlighted, including confusion and exclusion.

The Need for Clear Communication

• Effective communication is crucial for success in business.

• Business jargon can create barriers and hinder understanding among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Overcoming Jargon Challenges

• The speaker shares personal experiences with encountering confusing jargon in various professional settings.

• Understanding the audience's level of familiarity with industry-specific terms is essential for effective communication.

New Section

This section concludes the talk by emphasizing the importance of clear communication without relying on excessive jargon.

Simplifying Language

• Using simple language instead of complex terminology helps ensure that messages are understood by a wider audience.

• Clear communication allows ideas to be expressed effectively without relying on unnecessary jargon.

Final Thoughts

• Avoiding excessive business speak leads to more meaningful conversations and better outcomes.

• The speaker encourages everyone to reflect on their own use of language and strive for clearer communication in all aspects of life.

Common Origins of Phrases

In this section, the speaker discusses common origins of phrases and their cultural significance.

The Influence of Baseball and the Bible

• "Right off the bat" is a phrase associated with baseball.

• "Blind leading the blind," "by the skin of your teeth," "fly in the ointment," and "writing is on the wall" have their origins in the Bible.

• These phrases may not be familiar to people who are not exposed to American baseball or do not read the Bible.

The Origin Story of "Drinking the Kool-Aid"

• The phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid" means accepting something without question or succumbing to peer pressure.

• It originated from a tragic event in 1978 when cult leader Jim Jones laced cyanide into a drink called Flavor Aid, which was mistakenly associated with Kool-Aid.

• The European audience may not be familiar with Kool-Aid, and younger generations may not know about this historical event.

Lost Origin Stories

• Many phrases lose their origin stories over time and become muddied.

• Examples include TED Talks (originally Technology, Entertainment, Design), where searching for its origin online leads to misinformation, and "piggyback," which was originally mispronounced as "pick back."

• There are numerous other examples, but due to time constraints, they are not discussed further.

Cultural Differences in BS Phrases

• Different cultures have their own unique BS phrases that can get lost in translation.

• Examples include how different countries express being broke or having an easy task.

• In America: "broke" and "a piece of cake"

• In Italy: "in the green"

• In Spain: "without white"

• In New Zealand: "Bob's your uncle"

• Other examples from different countries are mentioned, highlighting the cultural differences in BS phrases.

Regional Fondness for Food in German Language

• The speaker mentions that regional fondness for food is a topic worth exploring in the German language.

• However, no further details or examples are provided in the transcript.

The transcript does not provide timestamps for all sections.

New Section The Importance of Clear Communication

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of clear communication and avoiding vague or confusing language.

Communicating Clearly

• It is important to avoid using unclear or ambiguous language in communication.

• Talking around a topic or using excessive jargon can hinder effective communication.

Three Takeaways for Effective Communication

1. Use inclusive language: Instead of excluding others with complex terminology, aim to include everyone in the conversation.

2. Express fresh ideas without relying on stale business cliches or complicated vocabulary that may not be understood by your audience.

3. Recognize that communication can be lost in translation depending on the audience, so it's crucial to adapt and ensure clarity across different contexts.

Impact of Clear Communication

• By striving for clearer communication, we can reduce unnecessary confusion and minimize the amount of misleading information in the world.