Main content

Business language

Why do company leaders so often rely on the use of jargon, hype and obscure words when trying to communicate with the public?

Why do company leaders so often rely on the use of jargon, hype and obscure words when trying to communicate with the public? Corporate-speak is easy to spot. For example, a company mission statement will claim it has a 'unique' purpose to be a 'force for good. ' Using exactly the same words as dozens of its rivals. So why did this happen? Are business schools and consultants to blame - encouraging the use of needlessly complex language? And does clotted language signal muddled thinking? Evan Davis and guests explore the problem and suggest some solutions.

Guests

Laura Brown, author of 'The Only Business Writing Book You'll Ever Need'
Philip Collins, author and founder of the writing company, The Draft
and Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman of the ad agency Ogilvy

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sat 10 Jul 2021 17:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 8 Jul 2021 20:30
  • Sat 10 Jul 2021 17:30

Explore further with The Open University

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Podcast