The Secret Behind Better Communication

"You can't manage what you don't measure."

You've probably heard that quote or some variation of it. It's a way of saying that understanding and tracking something is crucial to managing it effectively. The same principle applies to communication: to convey your message clearly, you need to understand how people perceive and process information.

But you know who else appreciates simplified content? Scientists.

According to a new study of specialised language in published research, the more jargon a study includes in its title and abstract, the less likely it is to be cited by other researchers. This insight offers an important lesson for anyone looking to communicate effectively: clarity matters.

How the Study Worked

Caves attract scientists from various disciplines: geologists study the rocks, biologists study the plants and animals, anthropologists study the people who lived among the rocks and plants and animals, and ecologists study how everything fits together. Each discipline has precise terminology, but the jargon of one specialty doesn't necessarily cross over to the others.

Two scientists at the National Research Council in Italy—one an ecologist, the other an evolutionary biologist—chose cave science to measure the effect of jargon. They manually assembled a list of 1,500 technical terms specific to cave research and scanned more than 20,000 cave studies published in the past 30 years to see how often those terms appeared in the titles and abstracts.

Finally, they matched the proportion of technical jargon in those studies to the number of times the studies were cited in future studies. As expected, the most highly cited papers had the fewest technical terms in the title and abstract.

Practical Takeaways for You

Use Language Everyone Understands: Assume people are intelligent but may not be well-versed in your subject matter. Whether you’re explaining a concept to a friend or discussing a project at work, use clear, everyday language to make your ideas accessible.

Good Communication Requires Effort: Think of plain language as “smartening up.” It often requires effort to make complex ideas accessible. Avoid using terms that others might not understand, and take the time to explain complex concepts in simple terms.

Break the “Rules” When It Makes Sense: A little jargon can sometimes be helpful, especially if you’re talking to someone who has a background in the subject. When using technical terms, define them immediately and ensure they're necessary for your message. Avoid overloading your audience with jargon and keep sentences clear and concise. Good communication is about making your message easy to understand. By simplifying your language, you not only respect your audience's intelligence but also ensure that your message is accessible to everyone.

Ready to communicate better?

Feeling like your messages aren't getting through? Consider working with a coach to improve your communication skills. Coaching can provide you with personalised guidance to help you express your ideas clearly and effectively, ensuring your message resonates with your audience. Take the first step towards better communication and a more fulfilling life today.

References:

Martínez A, Mammola S. Specialized terminology reduces the number of citations of scientific papers. Proc Biol Sci. 2021 Apr 14;288(1948):20202581.

Does loneliness cause cravings?. Precision Nutrition. (n.d.).

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