One of my tasks as editor of a business journal is to revise the news releases that are submitted to fit what I term newspaper style. 

Sometimes this process involves a proverbial wrecking ball — demolishing a news release and reconstructing it word by word. Other times, I’m relieved to pull out the equivalent of a polishing cloth. And with just a few light touches, copy is ready to appear on the pages of the Business Times as well as on the website.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy to do it. For one thing, it’s my job. For another, I’m grateful for any opportunity to share local business news with readers. Any opportunity. The more the better.

It’s usually a straightforward matter of editing news releases to include the five Ws of fundamental journalism. You know: who, what, when, where and why. Although I’m sure it’s not intentional, you’d be surprised how often the when and where are omitted. Oops. For that matter, the who in the form of who to contact for more information is left out as well. The what sometimes comes across as more of sales pitch than a story pitch.

It also can be a matter of extracting from copy business buzzwords and corporate jargon. Like a dentist pulling abcessed teeth, it can be a messy and even painful enterprise.

And here, at last, I get to my point. I’m not the only one who loathes buzzwords and jargon. As it turns out, a sizable portion of the people who read and hear them in the workplace are similarly disgusted.

According to the results of a survey of more than 1,500 American workers, one in five disliked the use of buzzwords and jargon in a workplace setting.

The most frequently used buzzwords? Win-win, company culture and ASAP. Company culture also ranked among the top three most annoying buzzwords, along with new normal and circle back. Add to the least wanted list the phrases boots on the ground, low-hanging fruit and move the needle.

Ironically — at least to me — there’s a belief using buzzwords makes people look professional. Three out of four of those who responded to the survey thought so. While people said they disliked buzzwords and jargon, seven out of 10 admitted using them.

I’d contend as a journalist just the opposite holds true. I’ve never managed a business. But I suspect if I did, I’d argue the same case. 

Keep in mind who you’re writing to and what you’re asking them to do. Consider whether or not readers and listeners will understand what you’ve written and said. People who’re adept at what they do sometimes can’t imagine others don’t know what they know. Avoid buzzwords and jargon and use instead examples. Above all, keep it simple. I admit I’m tempted to write in a manner that makes me appear more intelligent when I’d be far better off to eschew obfuscation. 

One other thing: Keep sending in those releases. I’ll do my best to share your news.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com.