10-Minute Challenge

The Jargon Jungle

Say it Differently

There's more than one way to say almost anything in English! Can you express the same idea using different words, expressions or sentence structures? Challenge yourself to become a more flexible, resourceful communicator — without changing what you really mean.
You need:
Your vocabulary and a little creativity

Quick Start

1
Read the original sentence
2
Say it three different ways
3
Compare the meaning, tone and style

Let's Begin!

“We need to operationalise our cross-functional synergies.”

Escape the jargon jungle

Your team receives a company announcement: “We need to operationalise our cross-functional synergies to optimise stakeholder alignment and drive scalable outcomes.”

Everybody nods. Nobody knows what they are supposed to do. Your task is to find a way out of The Jargon Jungle without losing useful information.

  1. Translate it. Rewrite the announcement in everyday English. Avoid buzzwords, but don’t invent decisions or instructions that the original never specifies.
  2. Ask for clarity. Write two polite, specific questions that would help staff understand what actions are actually expected.
  3. Make it useful. Write a two-sentence announcement using your questions’ likely answers as hypothetical details. Clearly label any details you invent.

Extra challenge: Explain to a colleague why replacing jargon with shorter words is not enough if the underlying message is still vague.

Fancy Another Challenge?

Are you ready for something different?
Let Langbrella surprise you with another challenge.
Keep going for as long as you like!