03 Avoiding Common Errors

andreaphua
May 22
2 min read

In digital policy writing, clarity is everything. Whether you're drafting a data protection framework or responding to a public consultation, your ability to communicate ideas clearly determines how well your audience understands, engages with, and acts on your work.

Unfortunately, common language errors—like overused jargon, vague clichés, and misused terms—often creep into policy documents and muddy the message.

This blog post highlights the most common language pitfalls in digital policy writing, explains why they’re harmful, and offers practical alternatives to help you write with greater precision and impact.

Why Language Precision Matters

Digital policy sits at the intersection of technology, law, and public interest. Your audience might include engineers, civil servants, lawyers, business leaders, and everyday users. If your writing is filled with insider terms, corporate buzzwords, or poorly chosen expressions, your core message risks being lost—or worse, misinterpreted. Good policy writing must be accessible, inclusive, and unambiguous.

The Problem with Jargon

Jargon refers to technical or specialist language that is meaningful within a specific field but alienating to outsiders. While some technical terms are unavoidable in digital policy, excessive jargon can exclude readers or obscure your argument.

Examples of jargon to avoid or use with care:

Jargon Term	Why It’s Problematic	Suggested Alternative
Interoperability matrix	Overly technical	System compatibility guide
Tech stack	Vague to non-engineers	Technical infrastructure
Federated architecture	Unfamiliar to many	Distributed system design
Tokenomics	Niche, unclear	Economic model for digital tokens
Zero trust framework	Buzzword-heavy	Security model based on continuous verification

Tip: If you must use technical terms, define them the first time you mention them.

The Curse of the Cliché

Clichés are overused expressions that have lost their impact. In policy writing, they often come across as vague, lazy, or insincere. Worse, they distract from substantive points.

Common clichés to avoid:

“Move the needle” → Instead: Achieve measurable progress
“Leverage synergies” → Instead: Work together to reduce duplication
“Game changer” → Instead: A significant shift in practice or impact
“Think outside the box” → Instead: Consider unconventional or creative approaches
“Future-proof” → Instead: Designed to remain effective over time

Clichés may sound dynamic, but they often signal a lack of specificity. Aim for concrete language that reflects actual intent and evidence.

Misused or Vague Terms

Some words are used so loosely in digital policy writing that they lose meaning or cause confusion. This can weaken your argument or make your position sound less credible.

Examples:

Term	Common Issue	Clarifying Alternative
Innovation	Used too broadly	Specify the type (e.g. process innovation, product innovation)
Empower	Often vague	Describe how and through what mechanism (e.g. give users control over their data)
Ecosystem	Overused metaphor	Use “stakeholder network” or list the actors involved
Seamless	Rarely defined	Describe what “seamless” means in practice (e.g. single sign-on experience)
Robust	Ambiguous	Replace with measurable qualities (e.g. fault-tolerant, secure under stress)

Tips for Clearer Digital Policy Writing

Define before you dive. Always explain technical terms or acronyms before using them extensively.
Write for the informed outsider. Assume your reader is intelligent, but not an expert in your domain.
Prefer verbs over nouns. Instead of saying “the facilitation of stakeholder input,” say “we facilitated stakeholder input.”
Use examples. When introducing a complex concept, ground it in a real-world scenario or policy case.
Revise with a critical eye. Ask: Would someone unfamiliar with this field understand what I’m saying?

Final Thought: Words Shape Understanding

In digital policy, every word matters. Overused phrases, unnecessary jargon, and vague buzzwords don’t just weaken your prose—they dilute your policy's impact.

By choosing language that is precise, accessible, and grounded, you help ensure your message is not only heard, but understood.

Strive to write not to impress, but to inform. The best policy writing is clear, direct, and built for shared understanding.