204. What is a Cliché? What is Jargon? And Should We Use them?
Feb 1, 2023
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Explore the annoyance of clichés and jargon in the English language. Discover practical tips for removing them from your vocabulary. Learn about the importance of clear communication and how to enhance your language skills.
Removing cliches and jargon improves English clarity and understanding.
Distinguish between necessary technical terms and avoid unnecessary jargon for precise communication.
Deep dives
Importance of Clear Communication in English
Clear communication in English is highlighted as essential, with a focus on the removal of cliches and jargon to enhance understanding. By following George Orwell's rules on effective writing, such as avoiding overused phrases, using simple language, and preferring active voice over passive, one can improve the clarity of their English. The speaker emphasizes the need to differentiate between essential technical terms and unnecessary jargon, advocating for precise and understandable language to convey messages accurately.
Understanding Cliches and Jargon
The podcast explains the negative impact of cliches and jargon in language, emphasizing their overuse and lack of originality. Definitions and examples of cliches are provided, highlighting their diminishing effectiveness due to repeated usage. Similarly, jargon is discussed as complex language specific to professions, enabling precise communication within industry circles but leading to confusion when used outside those contexts.
Tips for Avoiding Cliches and Jargon
The podcast offers practical tips to steer clear of cliches and jargon, promoting thoughtful consideration of alternative explanations and the necessity of such language. By evaluating the relevance of cliches and jargon and rewriting sentences using simpler terms, individuals can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of their English communication. Encouragement is given to strive for clear, precise, and creative language, fostering improved understanding and engagement in conversations.
Today, let’s learn about clichés and jargon – perhaps the most annoying parts of the English language. We’ll look at some examples, discuss why clear English is important, and I’ll give you some tips on how to remove clichés and jargon from your vocabulary!