Amen.

I don’t agree with all the words on the list, but it certainly is an interesting idea and good food for thought. I agree that it’s important to be natural and personal with donors, as opposed to “corporate”. Thanks for sharing.

Katya - Would you say that these words should be avoided in social media writing as well or just in conversation with potential donors?

Katya, great list and advice.

Do you recommend that nonprofits stay away from these words in other types of communication as well - advocacy, program marketing, awareness building, volunteers?  Of course the emotional content is key across the board but wonder what your thoughts are.

Thanks!

Great post. I’ve just completed a search for these words in our annual campaign communications! Any suggestions as alternative words to use?

Thanks.

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with you Katya. These words have been overused to the point that their original meaning is now lost. We need to lose industry terms and instead use words that our supporters can easily grasp.

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Thanks for the comments, everyone.  I think these words are horrible when you speak or write to the average person.  They also should be banished from social media.  For foundations and government grant proposals, your audience is already addicted to jargon so using these words is permissable.

Our submissions to this list: leverage, guru, expert. Even if you believe yourself to be an expert or guru of something, you shouldn’t say it. Prove you are one by leveraging your experience, but don’t say the word leverage.

Thanks for the great list. I’m thinking that banishing the terms “Annual Fund” or “Annual Appeal” would be a great place to start, as well.

And, I would also suggest that the tone and phrasing is as important as the words. Context and images that engage, rather than “report out” will be critical.