"After the proactive reegineering initiative is championed and we've reached maximum synergy, we'll be poised for competitive dynamics and the globalization that will empower a new paradigm, delight customers and achieve World Class onboarding in our space."

Um... what?

We can laugh at garbage like this, but when you get down to brass tacks, this sort of meaningless communication is standard issue in many companies, thanks, in large part, to guru consultants that coin new phrases to kick a new trend into action. When the language you choose is meaningless and vague, your communication is not giving information in a manner people can act on, as good, powerful communication can -- and should.

The pen is mightier than the sword
if you're trying to kill powerful communication

Individuals who communicate with these lifeless, unintelligible words are missing opportunities to help others do their jobs better. From our experience repairing poor communication plans, we know that the drawbacks to using vapid words are painful and measurable. They include (but are not limited to):

• Confusion about what is expected from employees. Without clear direction or a rock-solid understanding of the topic at hand, how can someone perform to the expected standards?
• Inaccurate information filling the voids created by the lack of truthful, honest communication. We're all familiar with the rumor mill, yes?
• Employee mistrust, and low morale and productivity.
• Decreased credibility.
• Multiple meanings for the same term or many terms with the same definition, causing confusion over the precise action to be taken.
• Faulty project roll-outs and backlash due to unclear direction, purpose or value.

Remember that the next time you spew overused jargon or fail to offer honest counsel to a leader who favors vapid words.

Who opened this Pandora's box?

George Orwell wrote, "The great enemy of clear language is insincerity." And while this might not be the reason for corporate-speak at your company, think of the impression audiences have of this innocuous language: the company is hiding the truth, and you'll squeeze blood from a turnip before you get any real answers. Other reasons for vague language are lack of knowledge about the topic, repeating words other people are using (in an effort to build rapport), disguising bad news, or avoiding responsibility and accountability.

How do you recognize empty or overused words, and then avoid using them? Looking for them and asking questions is a good first step. Ask yourself to define what you mean, and ask others to define the words they use. Probe for details. Ensure you and your audience attach the same meaning to those words.

We communicators also have to stretch our minds and stop resorting to lazy communication, where we might be tempted to recycle jargon or our favorite terms. Just because everyone else is misusing the term bandwidth, for example, doesn't mean you have to. If you really mean 'number of employees', then say it. That goes for the 'verbification' of nouns, too; we've actually heard organizational leaders talk about "maximally engineered nurses," "onboarding new team members" and "retooling" people. Criminy! Talking like this is a sure sign you need to get up from your desk and visit with people outside of your department to see how they like the idea of being retooled.

Overusing or misusing words are not the only examples of Vapidity Syndrome. Lack of action or inconsistent action creates meaningless words and phrases, too. For example, if you're prone to saying, "I'll return your call right away", and typically don't until days later (if people are lucky), you've made your words devoid of meaning and damaged your credibility.

After this question-and-discovery period, you might run into a little problem: what if a now-vapid word is actually the perfect word for you to use? There's a simple answer: look for another way to express your thoughts, or provide tangible examples to help make the meaning of the potentially vapid word clear. Choose specific and meaningful words in every instance.

Test your V.Q. (vapidity quotient)
Match terms from column A with their alternative in column B.

	Column A a. interface b. results-oriented c. reengineer d. address e. indeed f. human capital g. intellectual asset h. innovative i. infrastructure j. workforce unity		Column B 1. make money 2. making more money than you expected 3. idea 4. tangible stuff 5. high morale 6. meet 7. fire 8. professional throat clearing 9. deal with it 10. employees

Answers:

a.6 ~ b.1 ~ c.7 ~ d.9 ~ e.8 ~ f.10 ~ g.3 ~ h.2 ~ i.4 ~ j.5

If you got more than half correct, ask yourself why you're still using vapid words. After all, you're good at identifying them, now get rid of them. If you got less than half correct, reread the article.

Exercise:
Review a recent communication from your department, and highlight all potentially vapid words or phrases. Jot down one alternative for each.

Topic Pulse Check:
Do you feel forced to communicate with vapid words because the CEO or other leader demands it? What do you do? What do you suggest? What *can* you do? E-mail us about your vapid word challenges or your favorite examples.

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Remember, this information provides food-for-thought. Your needs are unique, so the most effective leadership, or organizational or interpersonal communication plan for you should be customized to meet your needs.