How to Take the BS Out of Business Speak | Bob Wiltfong | TED | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

In this TEDx Talk, the speaker explores the language of business speak or BS, its origins, and how we can make communication more effective by removing the bullshit.

Key Insights

• 🤔 Business speak is a language used in the workplace to describe and define things, and it is often filled with cliches, jargon, and acronyms.
• 😅 The speaker, who has compiled a BS dictionary, believes that business speak is on the rise in our globalized economy and that it is important to take the bullshit out of BS.
• 😷 Business speak is often used by the elite, and many of those who speak it fluently are white men, reflecting a lack of diversity in business leadership.
• 😏 Using business speak can be exclusive and alienating, especially when it is used to showcase expertise or to make others feel inferior. Instead, it is better to communicate in common language and be inclusive.
• ♂️ Communication should focus on expressing fresh ideas without relying on stale cliches and big words that people may not understand.
• 😬 It is important to know the origin stories of certain phrases and to understand that BS terms can get lost in translation, especially across different cultures and languages.
• 🌍 By being aware of cultural differences and adapting our language accordingly, we can reduce misunderstandings and improve communication.
• 👍 Taking the bullshit out of business speak can lead to clearer, more effective communication and a less BS-filled world.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is business speak or BS?

Business speak or BS is the language used in professional settings to describe and define things. It is often characterized by the use of complex terms, acronyms, and jargon that can be difficult for people outside of the industry to understand.

Q: How was the speaker introduced to business speak or BS?

The speaker was introduced to business speak through his wife, who is a chief marketing officer for a global consulting firm. He was first exposed to the language of BS when he overheard his wife on a conference call, using terms like "boil the ocean" and "SWOT analysis."

Q: How did the speaker respond to his wife's use of business speak?

The speaker responded by making fun of the language of BS. He found it to be confusing and unnecessary, and he dedicated years of his life to compiling, researching, and writing a BS dictionary.

Q: What are the three takeaways the speaker presents for taking the BS out of business speak?

The three takeaways the speaker presents are:

1. Use BS to be inclusive, not exclusive, by explaining things in common language and avoiding elitism.

2. Express fresh ideas without using stale business cliches or big words that people may not understand.

3. Recognize that cultural and regional differences can impact the understanding and translation of BS phrases.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker is fluent in business speak or bullshit.

• Business speak is the language used in the workplace to describe and define things, and it is often filled with jargon and acronyms.

• The speaker believes that there are ways to take the bullshit out of business speak, including using common language, being inclusive, and understanding cultural differences.