Fight corporate fog with concrete verbs

Why this matters

Plain English is not a guarantee of cross-cultural comprehension, but it makes ambiguity easier to see. Keep named owners, actions and deadlines when they exist; ask for them when they do not. Do not invent a plan simply to make the announcement sound decisive.

Before you start

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Your illustrated field guide

Conceptual illustration, not a provider screenshot. Artwork is AI-generated; instructional labels are authored text.

Start with fictional input

Original: “We are leveraging synergies to operationalize next-generation deliverables across stakeholder ecosystems.” Known facts: the support and logistics teams will combine weekly issue lists. Tari owns the first combined draft. No deadline is agreed.

Copy and adapt this prompt

Rewrite the announcement in plain, active language for a reader unfamiliar with the organization. Use only the supplied facts. State the action, owner and missing deadline. Avoid buzzwords and do not invent a benefit, launch date or mandatory process. Add one clarifying question.

Worked reference—not proof of correctness

“Support and logistics will combine their weekly issue lists. Tari will prepare the first combined draft. We still need to agree when it is due. What date should Tari use?” This is clearer without pretending the work is already implemented.

Five practical steps

1. Separate slogan from facts

   Underline which parts of the announcement contain no concrete action.

2. Request a plain rewrite

   Supply the fact ledger so the model does not fill the gaps itself.

3. Inspect verbs and owners

   Circle who does what and identify every unresolved field.

4. Read aloud to a partner

   Ask them to repeat the next action without explaining the original jargon.

5. Refine and keep a question

   Shorten confusing terms while retaining the missing-deadline question.

Test your result

• The rewrite names the two teams, Tari and the combined issue-list task.
• It does not invent a deadline, benefit number or completed implementation.
• A reader can identify the action and what still needs agreement.

Mistakes to watch for

• Replacing one set of buzzwords with another.
• Assuming simpler wording authorizes a new plan.

Offline / no-key route

Rewrite the fixture by hand using subject–verb–object sentences and one explicit unresolved question.

Reflect

Which missing fact became more visible after you removed the jargon?

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