Page 28 - Mini-Module 11
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10. Jargon
Think about your readers. What do they know? Are they familiar with
the jargon or are you mistakenly assuming they understand all the
acronyms and technical terms which trip off the tongue? This should
affect the language you use and the overall presentation. If you are
writing a report for one of your bosses who is entirely familiar with
your work and an expert in the field, it may be in order to use
specialist language. A hospital doctor, for example, writing a report for
a senior consultant, could use medical terms which no one outside the
profession could understand. If, however, you are writing the report
for someone who is not familiar with the language, you must omit
jargon or explain it.
Summary
Getting the Message Across:
● Use a style you are comfortable with, making it readable.
● Use short words.
● Use short sentences.
● Use short paragraphs.
● Write short, concise reports.
● Avoid unnecessary information.
● Use lists and subheadings, and break into coherent sections.
● Avoid imprecise expressions.
● Present unadorned facts, not drama.
● Avoid jargon where appropriate, and make it understandable.
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