Buzzword Bingo

This isn’t exactly new, but it did strike the funny bone and a nerve. As communicators, it is absolutely critical that we clearly and concisely convey our messages to the intended audiences. Sometimes, it is our use of “buzzwords” that most effectively gets the point across.

That being said, (check another box) we too often adopt these words into our everyday vernacular, which only dilutes their effectiveness and ultimately, weakens our ability to reach our objective.

Here is Wikipedia’s entry that gives more information on the origins and derivations of the game.

Also, here is a site that gives different cards based on the content and links to Tom’s original code.

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Do you keep falling asleep in meetings and seminars? What about those long and boring conference calls? Here's a way to change all of that.

1. Before (or during) your next meeting, seminar, or conference call, prepare yourself by drawing a square. I find that 5" x 5" is a good size. Divide the card into columns--five across and five down. That will give you 25 one-inch blocks.

2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block:
* Synergy
* Strategic fit
* Core competencies
* Best practice
* Bottom line
* Revisit
* Procedural analysis
* To tell you the truth (or "the truth is")
* 24/7
* Out of the loop
* Benchmark
* Value-added
* Proactive
* Win-win (net-net could be substituted)
* Think outside the box
* Fast track
* Result(s)-driven
* Empower (or empowerment)
* Knowledge base
* At the end of the day
* Touch base
* Engagement
* Client/customer focus(ed)
* Paradigm
* Game plan
* Leverage

3. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout "Buzzword."

Testimonials from satisfied "Buzzword Bingo" players:

"I had been in the meeting for only five minutes when I won."
- Adam W., Atlanta

"My attention span at meetings has improved dramatically."
- David T., Orlando

"What a gas! Meetings were never the same for me after my first win."
- Donna J., New York City

"The atmosphere was tense in the last process meeting as 14 of us waited for the fifth box."
- Ben G., Houston

"The speaker was stunned as eight of us screamed ‘Buzzword' for the third time in two hours. The Buzzword Bingo Championship will be played at the upcoming annual strategy meeting."
- Jim O., Portland