CHAPTER-1
How to Take the BS Out of Business Speak: Bob Wiltfong
Short Answer Questions
1. What is business speak (BS) according to Bob Wiltfong?
Business speak (BS) is the specialized language used in the corporate world to
describe and define things, often filled with jargon and buzzwords that can obscure
clear communication.
2. How did Bob Wiltfong become familiar with BS?
Bob Wiltfong became familiar with BS through his wife, who is a chief
marketing officer and often used corporate jargon during her conference calls.
3. What is the first takeaway Wiltfong offers for reducing BS in business
communication?
The first takeaway is to use BS to be inclusive, not exclusive. This means
explaining concepts in common language to ensure everyone understands and
avoiding using jargon to exclude others.
4. Why did the five oil executives use BS during Emily’s meeting, according
to Wiltfong?
The oil executives might have used BS because they were either unaware of its
exclusivity, testing Emily’s industry knowledge, or simply being jerks.
5. What was the second takeaway Wiltfong shared about minimizing BS?
The second takeaway is to express fresh ideas without using stale business clichés
or big words that the audience might not understand.
6. Why does Wiltfong mention cultural differences in BS terms in his
lecture?
Wiltfong highlights cultural differences to illustrate that BS terms can vary
widely and may not be understood universally, emphasizing the need for clear and
direct communication.
7. Who is Bob Wiltfong?
Bob Wiltfong is a speaker with extensive experience in business and media, who
talks about business jargon.
8. What platform features the video "How to Take the BS out of Business
Speak"?
The TED Talks YouTube channel.
9. What does the term "EBITDA" stand for?
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.
10. How does business speak affect communication?
Business speak can obscure messages and hinder effective communication.
11. What is the third takeaway from Wiltfong's lecture?
Recognize that a lot of BS is lost in translation depending on the audience.
12. What humorous activity did a woman create to cope with business clichés?
She created homemade BS bingo cards.
Paragraph Questions
1. Explain the main purpose of Bob Wiltfong's TED talk.
Bob Wiltfong’s TED talk aims to address the issues caused by business jargon in
professional communication. He highlights how such language, often referred to as
business speak or BS, can obscure messages and create barriers rather than facilitating
clear and effective communication. Wiltfong uses humor and real-life examples to
illustrate the negative impact of BS and offers strategies for professionals to improve
their communication by avoiding jargon and using more straightforward language.
The goal is to help individuals convey their ideas more persuasively and inclusively.
2. Describe an example Wiltfong uses to show the confusion caused by business
speak.
One example Wiltfong uses is his wife's use of terms like "boil the ocean" and "tiger
team" during a conference call. These terms were confusing and unfamiliar to him,
highlighting how business jargon can alienate those not well-versed in it. He
humorously recounts how he made fun of these terms and eventually decided to
compile a dictionary of such jargon. This example demonstrates how business speak
can create unnecessary complexity and hinder clear communication even among
colleagues and family members.
3.How does Wiltfong suggest professionals can improve their communication?
Wiltfong suggests three main strategies for professionals to improve their
communication. First, they should use BS to be inclusive, ensuring that their language
brings people together rather than alienating them. Second, they should express fresh
ideas without relying on stale business clichés or unnecessarily complex terms, which
can confuse the audience. Lastly, professionals should appreciate that a lot of business
jargon is lost in translation and should strive to use language that is clear and
understandable to all, regardless of cultural or professional background. These
strategies aim to make communication more effective and inclusive.
Essay Question
1.Discuss the impact of business speak (BS) on professional communication and
provide strategies to improve clarity in communication as presented by Bob
Wiltfong.
Bob Wiltfong’s TED talk, "How to Take the BS out of Business Speak," addresses the
pervasive issue of business jargon and its impact on professional communication. He
identifies business speak, or BS, as the language used in workplaces that often
complicates rather than clarifies messages. Wiltfong argues that BS can obscure true
meaning, create barriers, and reduce the effectiveness of communication. This
problem is particularly pronounced in a globalized economy where clear and concise
communication is crucial.
Wiltfong provides several strategies to counteract the negative effects of BS. Firstly,
he emphasizes the importance of using jargon inclusively rather than exclusively. This
means professionals should aim to communicate in a way that is understandable to
everyone, regardless of their familiarity with business terms. For example, instead of
using complex acronyms like EBITDA, explaining the term as "income before
accounting and tax write-offs" makes it accessible to a broader audience.
Secondly, Wiltfong advises against relying on stale business clichés and complex
terms that can alienate listeners. Instead, he encourages the use of fresh ideas and
simple language. This approach not only enhances understanding but also makes the
communication more engaging and relatable. Professionals should strive to express
their thoughts in clear, straightforward terms that convey the intended message
without unnecessary complexity.
Lastly, Wiltfong highlights the importance of recognizing that business jargon can be
lost in translation. Cultural differences mean that certain terms and phrases may not
be universally understood. For instance, idioms and phrases from American baseball
or the Bible may confuse non-American or non-Christian audiences. By being
mindful of these cultural nuances and opting for more universally understood
language, professionals can ensure their communication is effective across diverse
audiences.
In conclusion, Bob Wiltfong’s talk provides valuable insights into the detrimental
effects of business speak on professional communication. By advocating for inclusive
language, avoiding stale clichés, and being aware of cultural differences, Wiltfong
offers practical strategies for improving clarity and effectiveness in professional
interactions. Adopting these strategies can help professionals convey their ideas more
persuasively and foster better understanding in the workplace.
