TED: How to take the BS out of business speak | Bob Wiltfong

The video explores the concept of business speak (BS), its rise in the global economy, and its role as a language of the elite. Through personal anecdotes and examples, the speaker highlights the exclusivity of BS and its impact on communication. The video also discusses cultural differences in BS and offers three takeaways to make BS more inclusive and understandable.

What is the primary focus of the speaker's presentation?

• The rise of business speak in the global economy

• The importance of learning multiple languages

• The benefits of using technical jargon

• The history of the English language

What does the speaker suggest as the first way to reduce BS in business language?

• Be inclusive by using common language

• Use complex terminology

• Focus on financial terms

• Avoid all forms of communication

Why did the speaker's friend Emily face challenges in her meeting with the oil executives?

• She was late to the meeting

• The executives used BS to exclude her

• She was not prepared for the meeting

• The meeting was canceled

What is the second method the speaker suggests to reduce BS in business communication?

• Avoid all forms of communication

• Use more acronyms

• Focus on financial jargon

• Express fresh ideas without cliches

What does the term 'de minimis' mean according to the speaker?

• Simple and clear

• Complex and detailed

• Small and immaterial

• Large and significant

What cultural reference does the speaker use to explain the loss of origin stories in BS terms?

• Baseball

• Shakespeare

• The Bible

• TED Talks

What is the speaker's final takeaway on reducing BS in business communication?

• Use BS to confuse others

• Avoid all forms of communication

• Appreciate that BS can be lost in translation

• Focus on using more technical terms

What does the phrase 'drinking the Kool-Aid' mean?

• Leading a group

• Refusing to participate

• Accepting something without question

• Questioning authority

What is the origin of the phrase 'piggyback' according to the speaker?

• It refers to two pigs carrying each other

• It is a mispronunciation of 'pick back'

• It is a modern business term

• It originated from a children's story

What does the speaker suggest about using BS in different cultural contexts?

• It is only used in America

• It can lead to misunderstandings

• It is always beneficial

• It is universally understood