Real Talk on Talent: Tip Of The Spear Walked So “Double Click” Could Run
Do you ever sit in meetings filled with confusing business terms? Dina and Hilary unpack why corporate jargon persists, its impact on communication, and what leaders can do to ensure messages remain clear.
Ready to cut through the jargon? Listen to the episode to learn how leaders can keep workplace language clear and authentic.
Listen To The EpisodeVideo Description:
Welcome to Real Talk on Talent, where we get candid about hiring, recruiting, and the messy middle of workplace culture. In today’s episode, the team dives head-first into the world of buzzwords and corporate speak—the phrases we love to hate (and sometimes can’t stop using). From “tip of the spear” and “low-hanging fruit” to “double-click” and “bespoke,” we explore why these terms catch on, how they vary by industry, and why they can signal status as much as clarity.
You’ll hear personal confessions (hello, “high-level overview”), playful inventions (“back of the math envelope,” anyone?), and a thoughtful look at inclusion: does jargon help new hires feel fluent—or shut them out? We also touch on how AI can reinforce corporate lingo, plus practical ways leaders can set communication norms that invite substance over buzz.
Stick around for a fun game where we translate blunt real-world phrases into “corporate,” and then flip it—turning jargon back into clear, everyday speech. Whether you’re a recruiter, people leader, or just tired of “circling back,” this one’s for you.
Episode Highlights
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Why jargon spreads (shared language, softer framing, status signaling)
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Industry specific buzzwords and why some feel off-putting
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Inclusion vs. insider talk: helping new hires decode the room
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Practical swaps for clarity (say “tell me more” instead of “double-click”)
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A rapid-fire game translating real talk ↔ corporate speak
Takeaways
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Use jargon sparingly and define it when you do
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Favor clarity and specificity over “sounding corporate”
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Create norms (parking lot, post-mortems) without weaponizing them
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Model plain language as a leader to boost inclusion and speed
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