Jargon can make for efficient communication when discussing ideas with colleagues, but when industry-specific vocabulary works its way into conversations with donors we tend to lose our audience. 

The words used to describe new or difficult concepts builds the “conversational bridge” we hope future patrons will eventually cross. Any part of your process that isn’t understood creates a barrier to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. People prefer stories to explanations – next time you’re having trouble making a connection try approaching the concept using one of these suggestions.