What is corporate speak?

Are you wondering what the heck corporate speak is? I am glad you asked. Corporate Speak is just like any other language. The language just so happens to be the “corporate” language used in the workplace. For the most part, “corporate speak” is annoying and degrading. The classic rule of thumb is that what you say is not always what you are really saying.

Here is part of Chapter 12: Translating CS (Corporate Speak) from my book Corporate Speak: Rebellious Change by Jared Marcs.

Corporate speak loses its grip the moment you learn to see it for what it is: a tool of control. But here’s the good news — control is transferable. You can get it back. This section isn’t about burning bridges or storming out in a blaze of rage (tempting as that might be). It’s about learning the system so you can bend it to work for you. It’s about selective engagement, strategic positioning, and writing your own script when the company tries to hand you theirs. By the end of this part, you won’t just recognize corporate spin — you’ll know exactly how to navigate it, neutralize it, and even use it to your advantage. Every time leadership says, “We’re a family,” what they really mean is: “We expect unpaid loyalty.” Every time you hear, “We’re pivoting our priorities,” it’s: “Your work is about to change without your consent.” Example: When your boss says, “We need you to be a team player during this transition period.” What they mean: “We’re about to ask you to do extra work without extra pay.”