Write Right - Defence Academy of the United Kingdom

JargonIn a calm market the cash burn rates could indicate negative cashflow benefits resulting in a management dehire programme.AnonJargon consists of the technical terms used by specialised groups. Asan expert-to-expert form of communication it can save a great deal oftime. There’s no problem so long as one pilot is speaking to anotherabout the effects of vertical envelopment or a trainer is writing to acolleague about the cognitive domain. It is only when such terms spillover into general communication that the writer should think hardwhether to explain them or look for more understandable alternatives.Jargon is a style of writing of which management consultants have, fairlyperhaps, been accused of being the chief exponents. The MOD is alsooccasionally guilty of using jargon.Defined and minimalist levels of commonality will facilitatemaximum intra-operability and interoperability, leading to enhancedcontextualisation and fusion of best practice.Translated this becomes:We need to agree the best ways to work. This will help peoplework well in their own, or other, departments.Also try to avoid fashionable words if at all possible. Words and phraseslike:Drill down, synergy, critical mass, quantum leap, ducks in a row,ramp up, no brainer, big ask, 24/7 and JFDI!.At its worst, jargon lends itself easily to evasive answers and coldheartedness.You should avoid it as much as you can, especially whenwriting to people outside the MOD.17