Jargon madness: A plain language exercise

Federal plain writing practitioners may find it hard to engage with their colleagues, and formal plain language training programs can sometimes be a difficult sell to leadership.

One agency developed an entertaining exercise to promote plain language practices by focusing on a common enemy of the plain writer: jargon.

Laura Rabuck, a research health science specialist and lead content strategist at the Veterans Health Administration, created a "Jargon Madness" tournament-style bracket. It’s modeled after a similar annual college basketball-themed bracket. In this version, jargon battles for the title of “Most confusing” based on votes.

Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. It offers engagement and education. Unlike a meeting or a scheduled training, it’s a fun, asynchronous activity that staff can participate in when they have time.

If you want to host a Jargon Madness event at your agency, consider the following: 

• Confirm leadership buy-in and if there’s an audience.
• Confirm your champions/sponsors and partners.
• Confirm staffing support.
• Confirm language with your general counsel.
• Decide bracket size and corresponding timeline.
• Decide (and test) where you’ll host it and how voting will work.
• Decide how to identify jargon.
• Develop a marketing plan, however small (but mighty!).
• Research and draft ideas for education.
• Decide on post-event survey.

Start now! Next March will arrive quickly.