Acronyms in your content lead to misunderstandings.

Instead of continuing to speak in a completely different language, consider making your content acronyms free zones.

An acronym is a word or name formed from the initial components of a longer name or phrase, usually using individual initial letters, as in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) or EU (European Union), but sometimes using syllables, as in Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), or a mixture of the two, as in RADAR (Radio Detection And Ranging). Similarly, acronyms are sometimes pronounced as words, as in NASA or UNESCO, and sometimes as individual letters, as in AFP or ATM.

Don’t over-complicate your content, making it challenging and draining to understand where acronyms are best to use. Eliminating acronyms should limit interruptions because someone doesn’t know what you mean.

Acronyms don’t put people on the same page.

Put everyone on the same page instead of losing people because they don’t understand your message.

Acronyms are often overused to give you the ability to streamline communication. However, overuse can do the exact opposite. It’s safer to keep the conversation simple and to the point.

You might know what you are speaking about and mean, but does it always translate to everyone or lead to a communication breakdown?

We’ve all seen eyes glaze over in utter confusion. When speakers use unfamiliar language, boredom quickly sets in. This is mainly true in meetings where people want to respond and make decisions. For example, be aware when talking to governments. First, you notice that you don’t speak the language and struggle to follow their instructions and conversations.

Key Message: Plain English is fundamental to communications, content creation, marketing and sales.

Quotable Quotes

“I don’t worry about GDP. Not when there are so many other combinations of letters to be concerned with”. Jarod Kintz

“BRB, TTYL, OK? Wow, I saved a ‘ton’ of time with these acronyms”. Stephen Colbert