Presentation Type: Communication

Presenters: Test, ,

Abstract: There’s already an abundance of jargon in the library profession, especially within the academic library and higher education. Library professionals encounter a noticeable increase in the use of metaphors, corporate buzzwords, and turns of phrase that confound in their ambiguity rather than clarify communication. Educational leadership tends to adopt these phrases while staff remain perplexed, on the receiving end of an indecipherable word salad. Is everyone speaking in riddles? This presentation examines our culture’s fascination—and frustration—with the adoption of corporate language in the higher education environment. The reliance on metaphors of C-suite boardrooms, battlefields, sports lingo, and other expressions not only cause personnel to roll their eyes, but also confuses subordinates not privy to the faculty meeting room. Additionally, I will argue that this use of metaphor and buzzword-speak isolates and confuses neurodivergent staff, and will suggest leadership practices that allow for clear, concise communication methods accessible to all. Attendees will be able to complete the following learning objectives: 1) Describe and discuss language barriers experienced within their own institutions 2) Identify communication techniques that promote clarity 3) Understand how clear communication contributes to accessibility initiatives

Session Date: 11/21/24

Start Time: 9:00 am

End Time: 9:45 am

Location: GLC-236

Format: Test

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