An exercise covering the jargon and buzzwords of modern business English. Love them or loathe them, these expressions are part of the corporate vocabulary — and you need to know them.
📚 Key vocabulary synergy — the concept that combining two or more elements produces a greater result than the sum of their individual effects bandwidth (figurative) — a person's or team's capacity to take on additional work or responsibilities deep dive — a thorough and detailed examination of a particular topic, problem, or project low-hanging fruit — tasks or opportunities that are easily achievable and can produce quick, visible results move the needle — to make a noticeable or meaningful difference to a metric, goal, or outcome thought leader — an individual recognized as an authority and innovator in a specific field or industry leverage (verb) — to use an existing resource, asset, or advantage to maximize results circle back — to return to a topic or conversation at a later time after initial discussion value-add — something that provides additional benefit or worth beyond what is normally expected agility — the ability of an organization to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market or environment
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. We must make sure everyone is ____________________ with our final implementation plan.
Correct answer: on board.
2. Paul, Javier, you guys are going to ____________________ on this. (meaning: You guys will be working together on this)
Correct answer: tag team.
3. We have just received our ____________________ orders (meaning: our instructions from management).
Correct answer: marching.
4. A characteristic of a service or product that raises its perceived value is known as a "value- ____________________".
Correct answer: add.
5. Technology represents a constantly shifting ____________________.
Correct answer: paradigm.
6. Let's ____________________ = Let's talk
Correct answer: dialogue.
7. We are going to have to ____________________ and admit that we are five weeks behind schedule.
Correct answer: lay our cards on the table.
8. This initiative will create the ____________________ needed to take our business to the next level.
Correct answer: synergy.
9. This kind of corporate office jargon is sometimes referred to as ____________________.
Correct answer: officespeak.
10. To "get the ball ____________________" means to start something.