Who ever said the person who speaks in order not to be understood should be awarded the contract, the business, the promotion or respect?  Of course, no one said that.

So why do so many people in a presentation setting, in interviews, in business meetings, in discussion, use jargon, acronyms that are only known by them, and circular answers?  Are they unprepared?  Trying to impress?  Have they witnessed and been impressed by someone else engaging in this behavior?

I received an email from a colleague today, soliciting assistance.  The problem is that I have no idea what he wants because of the acronyms and jargon used in his two sentence solicitation.  I picked up the phone, got his voice mail and politely offered to help if I could understand what he needs.

This is not an isolated situation.  I regularly encounter people who confuse, frustrate and insult intelligence by spewing meaningless jargon AND expect me to nod in agreement or remain silent.

Our duty is to call them on it:  "How have you taken the best in class and made it better?"  "You said that your system was incredibly robust.  How is it more robust than what we are using now?"  "You don't want to build the watch for me, but could you explain how my clients will save money using your product?"  "I don't understand what you mean by that.  Could you explain."

We don't have to be disrespectful but we should expect to understand.  And when we explain, we should explain to be understood.  To the clear should go the prize.