As scientists and subject matter experts, we often rely on specialized language, or jargon, to communicate with precision and efficiency. And that’s a good thing — when we are communicating within our disciplines. But when we’re communicating with people outside our field, that same language can become a barrier.
Research shows that when people don’t understand what you are saying, they’re not just confused — they’re also more likely to tune out, feel excluded, or even distrust the information altogether. It’s not just that your audience won’t understand your message, it’s possible that your message will be misinterpreted or make your audience automatically take an opposing position.
That’s why swapping out jargon is a key step to improving your communication. But jargon is tricky to spot. Through our work running communication workshops for scientists and subject matter experts, we’ve identified four common types of jargon to watch out for. By recognizing and picking a better option, you’ll be able to make your communication more clear, accessible, and effective.
1. Classic Jargon
This is probably what comes to mind for you when you hear “jargon.” These are technical terms specific to your field that are clear and efficient to your peers, but unfamiliar or meaningless to others.
What to do: Try explaining the concept without using the term itself. You may need more words, and that’s ok. Prioritize clarity over brevity. Analogies and real-world examples can be really helpful.
Example:
Jargon: ‘Asterism’
Alternative: ‘ a pattern of stars that isn’t an official constellation, like the Big Dipper’
2. Sneaky Jargon
These are words that sound familiar but have a very different meaning in scientific or technical contexts. These are especially tricky because they can easily lead to misunderstandings.
What to do: Use alternative phrases, or add a quick clarification to signal that you’re using the term in a specific way.
Example:
Jargon: ‘positive feedback’
What the scientists means: a process that amplifies change
What others hear: encouragement or praise
Alternative: a cycle that amplifies a signal or change, for example as the climate warms, light-colored, reflective ice melts, revealing dark ocean water that causes the planet to heat even more rapidly.
3. Meaningless Jargon
These are words that have been overused or applied so broadly that they’re hard to pin down, because there is no clear, unified understanding. They may sound meaningful, but when you really dig into them, they don’t provide much substance.
What to do: Try describing the impact or vision concretely. Ask yourself: What do I actually mean here?
Example:
Jargon: ‘Sustainable’
Alternative: ‘designed to last over 10 years and be easily composted at the end of the product’s life’
4. Loaded Jargon
These are terms that carry political, cultural, or emotional weight. When used without care, they can alienate your audience or shut down a conversation. That doesn’t mean that we should never use these words, just that we should use them strategically, understanding the impact they may have, especially with certain groups of people.
What to do: Consider the audience you’re trying to reach and the context you’re communicating in. Be ready to clarify or reframe terms as needed to avoid unnecessary tension or misunderstanding.
Examples:
Jargon: Climate change
Alternative: Try leading with the effects people see and feel like ‘hotter summers, more intense storms, and rising insurance costs’.
Next Steps
Take a fresh look at your messaging. Do you spot any of these types of jargon? We highly recommend practicing your message with a friend outside your field, because when you’ve been using these terms for years it’s often hard to notice them yourself. Do they understand what you mean? If the answer is no, that’s a good sign it’s time to rephrase.
Replacing jargon may mean that you trade a bit of precision for accuracy and clarity. And that’s ok. Your audience doesn’t need to know every technical detail to understand your key points accurately. You can always go deeper if they ask to know more.
Spotting and eliminating jargon can feel challenging and time consuming at first, but the exercise is well worth it. It helps you clarify your ideas, strengthen your message, and ensure that you’re prioritizing your audience’s needs and speaking directly to them.
Want help identifying and rephrasing jargon? Check out our Strategic Science Communication workshops and Message Box Practice Sessions for hands-on practice and personalized feedback. Or reach out for personal coaching for even more in-depth support. We’re here to help!
