1. Your audience doesn't understand it:
* General public: When communicating with the general public, using jargon will likely confuse and alienate them.
* Newcomers: If you're explaining a concept to someone new to the field, using jargon will only make it harder for them to learn.
* People outside your specific field: Jargon is often specific to a particular industry, profession, or hobby. Using it with people outside that field will make your communication unclear.
2. It creates a barrier to communication:
* Jargon can make you sound arrogant or condescending: Using jargon can make it seem like you're trying to show off your knowledge rather than communicate effectively.
* It can make you seem unapproachable: If you're always using jargon, people may not feel comfortable approaching you with questions.
3. You need to be clear and concise:
* Jargon can be unnecessarily complex: Sometimes a simpler word or phrase will be more effective than using jargon.
* Jargon can be ambiguous: The meaning of jargon can sometimes be unclear, especially to those outside your field.
4. You want to build rapport:
* Using jargon can make you seem distant or unrelatable: It's important to build rapport with your audience, and using jargon can hinder that process.
* It can make you seem like you're not listening: If you're using jargon when talking to someone, it can make it seem like you're not really listening to them.
5. You're writing for a formal setting:
* Jargon is often informal: Using jargon in formal writing can make it sound unprofessional.
* Jargon can be outdated: Some jargon terms become outdated over time. Using them can make your writing sound out of date.
In general, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use plain language whenever possible. If you do need to use jargon, be sure to define it clearly and explain it in a way that your audience will understand.