Clarity and Accessibility:
* Audience Comprehension: Jargon is specific to a particular field or group. Using it in directions assumes the audience is familiar with the terminology, which may not be the case. This can lead to confusion and frustration.
* Universality: Directions should be clear and understandable to the widest possible audience. Jargon limits the reach and effectiveness of the directions.
Efficiency and Conciseness:
* Brevity: Jargon can often be lengthy and complicated, making directions unnecessarily long and difficult to follow.
* Focus on Action: Directions should focus on the actions needed to complete a task, not on technical details that are irrelevant to the user.
Professionalism and Credibility:
* Avoidance of Obstacles: Jargon can create a barrier between the writer and the reader, making the writer appear elitist or inaccessible.
* Trust and Confidence: Using clear, everyday language builds trust and confidence in the writer's ability to communicate effectively.
Examples:
Instead of saying, "Utilize a heuristic evaluation to identify potential usability issues," a writer could say, "Think about how easy it is for someone to use this product and find any problems." This second statement is clearer and more accessible to a wider audience.
Exceptions:
There are situations where jargon may be necessary, such as:
* Technical Documents: In highly specialized technical writing, jargon may be unavoidable to ensure accurate and precise communication.
* Specific Target Audience: If the audience is already familiar with the jargon, it can be used to save space and improve efficiency.
However, even in these situations, writers should strive to minimize the use of jargon and explain unfamiliar terms when necessary.