Delivering a clear and effective message during a media interview is crucial. One common pitfall that many professionals encounter, however, is the use of jargon.
While it can sometimes demonstrate expertise, the misuse of jargon can alienate your audience and even obscure your message. Understanding when and how to use it, and particularly when to avoid it, is an essential skill that media training can help develop.
When to Use Jargon in Media Interviews
In interviews with industry-specific media, the audience may be familiar with the specialised language of your field. Here, jargon can quite rightly signal your expertise and ensure precise communication.
For example, if you are speaking to a trade publication within your industry, using the appropriate jargon can help convey complex concepts succinctly.
It can also be a good tool for conveying authority. Certainly when speaking to peers or specialists, using industry terminology establishes you as an informed and credible source. Media training often focuses on helping professionals discern these situations and use jargon effectively. It sometimes, however, forgets other audiences.
When to Avoid Jargon
While jargon can be beneficial in some scenarios, it is important to recognise when it might do more harm than good. Mainstream media interviews, where the audience is more general, require a different approach.
Overuse of jargon in these contexts will confuse or alienate the audience, making your message less accessible. For instance, using technical terms without explanation on a national news programme might leave viewers bored or even frustrated.
Another key consideration is the interviewer’s familiarity with the subject matter. If the journalist is not an expert in your field, relying too heavily on jargon can derail the conversation, leading to misunderstandings and an ineffective interview.
The Risks of Misusing Jargon
The misuse of jargon can have significant repercussions.
- It can create a barrier between you and your audience, leading to a loss of engagement and credibility.
- It can make you appear evasive or pretentious, particularly if the interviewer or audience feels excluded by your language.
- Overcomplicating your message with jargon can lead to miscommunication. In high-stakes interviews, where clarity is paramount, this can result in the spread of misinformation or the dilution of your core message.
How Media Training Prepares You
Effective media training is invaluable in navigating the complexities of using jargon in interviews. Training sessions often include mock interviews, which help you practice striking the right balance between technical language and accessible communication. Through this process, you should develop a keen awareness of your audience and tailor your message to their level of understanding.
Media training generally emphasises the importance of preparation. Understanding the format of the interview, the background of the interviewer, and the demographics of the audience allows you to make informed decisions about when to use jargon. This level of preparation ensures that you can communicate your expertise without alienating your audience.
Finally, interview training also helps in refining your ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. This skill is particularly crucial when speaking to a broad audience, as it allows you to convey your message clearly and effectively without relying on jargon. By mastering this skill, you can ensure that your message is both authoritative and accessible.