Ep 5 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Not Use Corporate Jargon?

Season 1, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Not Use Corporate Jargon?

Episode Description:

We’ve all heard it: “Let’s circle back.” “Let’s leverage synergies.” “Let’s operationalize the low-hanging fruit.” But… why?

In this satirical yet insightful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee break down the awkward truth behind why corporate jargon is so widespread—and why not using it feels like professional heresy. They explore the origins of business buzzwords, the hidden power dynamics behind them, and how this language affects authenticity, inclusion, and even promotions at work.

You’ll laugh, cringe, and probably recognize your own emails in this one.

They explore:

• The history of corporate speak (and how it started with the Industrial Revolution)
• Why jargon makes us feel smart, credible, or “executive”
• How buzzwords mask emotion and avoid hard truths
• The impact of jargon on inclusivity—especially for non-native speakers
• How language creates personas, power structures, and psychological distance
• Tips to reduce unnecessary complexity in emails, meetings, and conversations
• The “buzzword bingo” challenge to reclaim clarity and authenticity at work

Whether you’ve ever “shifted a paradigm” or just wanted to say “no” in fewer than 200 words—this one’s for you.

 

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why this topic hits so close to home
• 05:00 – Jargon as status and insecurity: Real stories from Chris and Pinaki
• 10:00 – Industrial revolution to management consulting: A brief history of buzzwords
• 20:00 – “Operational efficiencies” and other euphemisms for layoffs
• 25:00 – Industry-specific jargon: Real estate, IT, mechanics, and teens
• 30:00 – How language limits promotions and impacts inclusion
• 40:00 – Multiple personas: Code-switching, severance vibes, and Zoom voice
• 50:00 – Why we over-write emails (and how to stop)
• 55:00 – Conciseness, clarity, and the “email test”
• 01:05:00 – Workplace language is evolving—are we?
• 01:10:00 – Buzzword bingo, new phrases, and breaking the mold

 

Books & Resources:

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

Harvard Business Review – Why We Use Jargon—and When It Hurts Us

Local Wisdom – Communication support for modern teams

 

Mic-Drop Moments:

“If I have to tell you to be authentic, you’re not being authentic.”

“We’re not just speaking a second language—we’re building walls with it.”

“A long email doesn’t mean you worked hard. It means you didn’t edit.”

 

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

 

Special Thanks:

To the brilliant minds and big hearts at Local Wisdom for challenging the way we communicate, and to SBX Productions for turning corporate buzz into comedy gold. Extra thanks to our listeners—may your next email be one sentence shorter.

 

Try This:

🎯 Create your own Buzzword Bingo Card.

📝 Write one email this week in plain English.

🎙️ Or better yet, forward this episode to that colleague who loves a good "synergy."

Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com for more episodes—and less jargon.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

 

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}