[crispyambulance]

> ... sometimes use business talk as a tool to ...

I think it's natural to want to speak in a language or style which one might think others approve. However, I have found that while many managers are apt to use biz-speak/buzzwords themselves, it's not necessarily what they want to hear from others.

If you can instead speak in clear, concise, and empathetic sentences that get to the point, most people really appreciate and crave that-- especially when things are critical. Unfortunately that's very hard to do. There's a fine line between getting to the point and coming off as a cold-fish personality. It takes lots of practice.

[dvfjsdhgfv]

You're right, but these are two different scenarios: 1) you really want to communicate something to someone so that they understand it well, 2) your PHB has already decided what is best for you and you choose your defence strategy; in that case using buzzwords might be helpful.

[crispyambulance]

Everyone knows, privately in their inner thoughts, that "biz-speak" is baloney.

They use that language as a front for insecurity, not knowing what to say, or not being willing to say what they really mean. If the PHB is obfuscating an unpalatable (and non-negotiable) demand in biz-speak, it's not like parroting back some biz-speak is going to change his mind or strong-arm him.

You chances are better if you address the actual issues in plain and sensible language (or perhaps don't say anything at all). Even if it doesn't work, it at least lays bare the insincerity of the PHB's biz-speak.