Every profession has its own patterns of language, and accounting is no exception. Jargon usually gets a bad rap, but there’s a time and a place for everything, including specialist lingo. So let’s dig in and see how jargon applies to some common accounting and consulting contexts.
What is jargon and who needs it?
Jargon refers to words or phrases that require specialized knowledge to understand. Typically used within a profession or specific area of study, it functions as a shorthand that helps people within the group communicate about their subject matter more efficiently. Think of all the times you’ve heard your firm’s cybersecurity team using tech-related specialty terms or acronyms like DoS, PCI-DSS, and TTPs.
To someone outside of the group in question, however, jargon can be difficult to follow. It may sound like gibberish, or worse, it could be interpreted as an attempt to “sound smart” or to intimidate and exclude outsiders through complicated terminology.
In other words, jargon is a double-edged sword that can convey authority and enable precision just as quickly as it can result in miscommunication and erode trust. To use it effectively, think carefully about your audience and what you need to accomplish.
Audience is everything
The golden rule of jargon is simple: know your audience. Particularly with clients, you’ll want to communicate in whatever terms make the most sense to them.
If you work in a service line with a technical or specialist focus, jargon can be a very helpful tool. As a trusted advisor, you need to know your client’s business inside and out—including their vocabulary. This lets them know that you’ve “done your homework” and taken the time to learn their industry. When working with clients in the health care niche, for example, it will be well worth your time to learn some medical lingo and brush up on relevant regulations. Speaking in your client’s language is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and credibility.
When addressing a general audience, though, it’s best to avoid jargon. Using highly specialized terminology with people who are unfamiliar with it will likely create confusion or imply an air of condescension, which is not the tone you want to strike as trusted advisor. Accounting involves a lot of complex concepts, but the best advisors know how to translate their knowledge into terms their clients can easily understand. It’s all about providing clarity.
Guidelines for using jargon
When you do use jargon, use it carefully, and again, consider your audience. If you are addressing insiders, what is their level of experience? Are they new to the field or seasoned experts? Even with specialist groups, overloading your sentences with too much jargon can be counterproductive. Remember to balance your use of technical terms with concrete words and images that help your audience visualize and understand your meaning.
If you know you’ll be working with a specialist audience, spend some time getting to know how they communicate. Do they take pride in their jargon or use it sparingly? There are many ways to learn how to talk like your niche, from attending an industry-focused networking event or conference to reading popular publications and visiting web forums where you can see how group members talk amongst themselves.
Another helpful practice when using jargon is to introduce and define your terms. This is particularly helpful for nonspecialist audiences. When you introduce a technical term for the first time, provide a brief explanation or definition before moving on. Likewise, you should always spell out an acronym the first time you use it. If these options aren’t practical, consider creating a glossary.
Sharpen your sword
Clients come to accounting and consulting professionals looking for informed perspectives that will help them navigate complex situations and make the best possible decisions. Whether you’re working with a medical practice or a financial institution, knowing how and when to use jargon will help you shine as a trusted advisor.
Curious to see how other firms write content for their clients? We got you. We have created a handy list that follows all Allinial Global member firms who have a Twitter account. In addition to providing insights on how firms approach different niches, the list will help you stay up to date on what’s happening at fellow AG firms. You don’t even need a Twitter account to see the latest updates, so feel free to check it out from time to time from your browser.
