The Language of BS (Business Speak)

Introduction to Business Speak

• Business speak is the specialized language used primarily in professional settings.
• Example comparison: At home, "It's time to go. Are you ready?" vs. at work, "Is it scalable? ... we need to leave ASAP."
• First exposure through wife, a Chief Marketing Officer, using terms like "boil the ocean," "tiger team," "SWOT analysis."
• Led to compiling a BS dictionary.

Presentation Goals

• Goal: To examine the rise of BS in the globalized economy and make it less scalable.
• Three ways to take the BS out of business speak.

Key Points & Takeaways

1. Use BS to Be Inclusive, Not Exclusive

• Common example used: Definition of EBITDA
  • EBITDA: Income before accounting and tax write-offs
• Problem: Business speak is often not a common language; it's the language of the elite.
• Example of exclusion: Emily with oil executives using BS to undermine her.
• Takeaway: Use BS to include, not exclude. Provide a directory of terms for new employees.

2. Use Simple Language

• Example: "de minimis" vs. "small, immaterial, insignificant"
• Good communication: Expressing fresh ideas without stale business clichés and big words others may not understand.
• Funny anecdote: BS bingo cards with overused phrases.

3. Cultural & Language Consideration

• Origin of common phrases and the importance of context (e.g., "drinking the Kool-Aid" from Jim Jones' cult).
• Cultural differences in expressions (e.g., "piece of cake" in the US vs "Bob's your uncle" in New Zealand).
• Specific cultural references from different regions around the world and their meanings in business.

Conclusion

• Recap of takeaways:
  • Use BS inclusively
  • Express ideas simply
  • Appreciate cultural context.
• Aim: Less BS leads to better communication.

Thank you very much. (Applause)