At one time or another we are probably all guilty of slipping a little “bizspeak” into our conversations.

But if you are really interested in acquiring clever phrases and made-up words to embellish your written (and oral) business communications skills, then you should check out a recent Harvard Business Review blog on the subject.

The buzzwords and phrases contained therein such as “right-sized”, “smart-sized”, “mission critical” and “paradigm shift” are only a few of the bizspeak expressions we are often subjected to in today’s business communications.

The author argues that your “plain-English skill set” really should be put to more effective use in your day to day communications. In other words, ditch the bizspeak expressions that are really just intended to impress your audience. Try to kick the buzzword addiction and lose the clichés.

So instead of “Thank you in advance for your courtesy and cooperation in this regard. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this request”, how about “Thank you. If you have any questions, please call”.

If you give it a try, “at the end of the day” you will be a much more effective communicator.