Buzzword Matrix
Have you ever played Buzzword Bingo? I used to work at a place where the Vice President had about 20 meaningless words that he used over and over and over. We didn't draw up bingo cards like the Dilbert strip, but everyone knew the words, and we exchanged looks when they were overused in meetings. (His favorites were synergy, retention, interface with, and systematized.)
My dad was cleaning out some of his files of icebreakers recently, and he gave me a matrix. It has three columns of buzzwords. The idea is that you can take a word from each column and use it in response to a question. It's amazing that it sounds like an answer. Here's a sample...
It's a fun exercise to generate fluffy phrases. Just be careful not to do this with your writing. If it doesn't convey meaning, it's really just taking up space.
My dad was cleaning out some of his files of icebreakers recently, and he gave me a matrix. It has three columns of buzzwords. The idea is that you can take a word from each column and use it in response to a question. It's amazing that it sounds like an answer. Here's a sample...
|
Intergraded |
Management |
Options |
|
Total |
Organizational |
Flexibility |
|
Systematized |
Monitored |
Capability |
|
Parallel |
Reciprocal |
Mobility |
|
Functional |
Digital |
Programming |
|
Responsive |
Logistical |
Concept |
|
Optional |
Transitional |
Time-phase |
|
Synchronized |
Incremental |
Projection |
|
Compatible |
Third-generation |
Hardware |
|
Balance |
Policy |
Contingency |
It's a fun exercise to generate fluffy phrases. Just be careful not to do this with your writing. If it doesn't convey meaning, it's really just taking up space.




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