Saying to, “Use the shotgun on someone,” might sound like a violent phrase but if you know the context, you’ll think differently. It’s one example of how internal, company jargon can lead to big misunderstandings with people outside of your organization.
The shotgun reference has nothing to do with an actual weapon. Instead, it harkens back to my days in the world of TV News.
A shotgun microphone is a long, cylindrical microphone that’s often clipped onto the camera. This microphone is a good, all-purpose device that does a really good job of picking up sound directly from where it is pointed. The next time you see a big press conference, there’s a good chance that you’ll see a shotgun microphone on the podium.
As a news crew, the photographer and I would sometimes use this microphone when we needed to get a fast soundbite from someone. These were the situations when we didn’t have time to set up lights or use a clip on microphone. We needed to ask our questions, get some good sound, and them move on to the next thing. We were taking a no-frills approach to the story.
When we would arrive at a story, the photographer, wanting to know which microphone I wanted to use, would ask me, in TV shorthand, “What do you want to use?”
With the already nervous interview subject in the same room, I would absentmindedly reply, “Let’s use the shotgun on him.”
I would then notice the interview subject turning white with fear.
I’d realize my error, explain the virtues of the shotgun microphone, and pray that the guy would relax enough to give me a couple of good soundbites.
This mistake happened a few times. My use of jargon makes total sense to those in the TV News business. Outside of that world, people think you’re dangerous. This would ultimately make my job harder, as people who think they are about to be the victim of violence, tend not to be very conversational.
In your company, do you monitor how much of your jargon is shared with the outside world? When you use certain terms, all the time, it can be easy to forget that other people have no idea what you’re saying.
In my case, it was obvious that I had said something confusing or of concern. But sometimes, the other person will just nod or smile but have no idea what you said.
This kind of communication breakdown leads to confusion, misunderstandings, and even lost business. It’s a big turnoff if people perceive you as using jargon to try to confuse them or hide something.
Start counting how often people use internal jargon with outsiders. If you’re looking for an easy fundraiser, start a penalty jar. Trust me, it will fill up fast.
Watch your words. You don’t want your colleagues and customers worried or distracted.
Want to hear about another funny misunderstanding? Watch the clip below:
