When I tell people that I study “rhetoric”, I usually follow this up by explaining that it’s “the study of communication”. It’s the easiest way to quickly describe what exactly “rhetoric” entails. Of course, it is much more than *just* (ha!) communication, but in a pinch, it’s a fairly apt explanation.
Sometimes, however, people interpret this to mean that I “study the art of bullshitting”.
I think that’s crass and doesn’t cover everything involved in rhetoric, but there is no doubt that a part of rhetoric is about understanding how people are persuaded of another position. Thus, bullshitting. But there’s a time and place for that kind of jargon, and, as John McFerran wrote in the January 16 issue of the Winnipeg Free Press, when you’re trying to effectively communicate to others in the workplace, you should not use jargon.
Included in his article is the following advice:
– When in doubt, leave it out.
– If you are unclear on the meaning, ask for clarification.
– Stick to the script when you don’t know the audience well.
– Refrain from buzzwords in formal communication.
– Big words don’t equal a bigger brain.
– Don’t try too hard to impress an interviewer with buzzwords.
You can read his full article, Buzz off, and leave jargon out of communications, by checking out the Winnipeg Free Press online.
Imagine what the world would be like if everyon actually used words in the correct context? Also, the sky is amazing right now.