Sales Jargon to Avoid: Speak Clearly, Close More Deals
Sales is all about effective communication, but some of the language used in the industry does not make you dream anymore.
Overused jargon and clichéd phrases can make salespeople seem out of touch and even drive away potential customers.
Here are the sales terminology that top performers need to retire, and offer more effective alternatives:
The Worst Offenders
"Rockstar"
This term topped the list of overused sales jargon.
Actual rockstars tend to be unpredictable and high-maintenance.
These are not qualities you want in a sales team.
The best salespeople are often described as low-key, pleasant, and steady performers.
As one experienced sales manager put it:
As Mark Roberge, former CRO of HubSpot, puts it:
💡"I've never met a 'rockstar' salesperson who wasn't more trouble than they were worth. Give me a consistent performer any day."
Other Cringe-Worthy Classics
"Always be closing"
An oldie but not-so-goodie that many feel is outdated.
A 2023 LinkedIn survey found that 78% of buyers prefer salespeople who act as trusted advisors rather than pushy closers.
"Crush your quota"
Seen as overly aggressive and unrealistic.
Research by Sales Insights Lab shows that setting unrealistic quotas can lead to a 30% decrease in sales team morale.
"We're a family here"
Often used to mask poor work-life balance.
A 2024 Gallup poll revealed that 65% of employees who heard this phrase regularly reported feeling manipulated.
"Let's F***G go!"
Viewed as empty motivation.
A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that such phrases have no measurable impact on sales performance.
"Hungry"
Implies desperation rather than skill.
As sales expert Jill Konrath notes,
"When I hear 'hungry,' I think of someone desperate for a sale, not someone focused on solving customer problems."
Want to learn how to effectively communicate with prospects? Check out my guide on B2B discovery calls for expert tips and techniques.
More Jargon to Avoid
"Let's finish strong" / "Push hard for the end of the month"
"Hit the ground running" / "Thrown to the wolves" / "Trial by fire"
"Provide value"
"Price is only an issue in the absence of value"
"LFG" (Let's f***ing go)
"Crushing it"
"Unicorn"
"Hunter mentality" / "Self-motivated"
"Selling season"
"We need more pipeline"
"One more door"
"Sales athletes"
"Sales guru"
"Break the phones"
"Rocketship" (to describe a company)
"White glove treatment"
"TOFU" (Top of Funnel)
One sales leader said:
💡"Every time I hear 'Let's finish strong,' I want to ask if we were supposed to be slacking off the rest of the month!”
Impact on Sales Performance
Using tired jargon can make companies seem out of touch.
A 2023 LinkedIn study found that 72% of sales professionals were less likely to apply for jobs that used excessive jargon in their listings.
It may even drive away top talent who see it as a red flag.
Some salespeople noted that when they see "rockstar" in a job posting, they start to lose interest.
More importantly, overused jargon can negatively impact sales results as it creates distance between salespeople and potential customers.
A 2024 Gartner report showed that using industry jargon decreased customer trust by 17% and lowered the likelihood of closing a deal by 23%.
A customer service manager shared their perspective:
💡"When a salesperson starts throwing around terms like 'white glove treatment,' I immediately wonder what they're trying to hide behind all that fluff."
Looking to improve your sales performance? Learn how to transform lost sales into opportunities with my expert strategies.
Industry-Specific Jargon
Different industries have their own sets of jargon to avoid:
Tech
"Disruptive," "Bleeding edge," "Game-changer"
Finance
"Synergies," "Circle back," "Low-hanging fruit"
Healthcare
"Patient-centric," "Holistic approach," "Paradigm shift"
Generational Differences
A 2024 study by Salesforce found that 62% of Millennials were tolerant of sales jargon. But only 28% of Baby Boomers felt the same way.
It's key to adapt your language to your audience.
Alternatives to Jargon
Instead of saying "rockstar,"
try "high-performer" or "results-driven professional."
Replace "always be closing"
with "focus on customer needs."
Use "exceed targets"
instead of "crush your quota."
Customer Perspective
A 2024 HubSpot survey found that 68% of customers are less likely to buy from a company that uses excessive jargon in their sales pitches.
As Daniel Pink, author of "To Sell Is Human," states:
💡"The best salespeople today are translators - they translate complex ideas into simple, relatable concepts."
Want to master the art of effective communication in sales? Explore my guide on mastering ABC sales strategies for valuable insights.
Cultural Considerations
Be aware that some jargon may not translate well across cultures.
For international sales, stick to clear, simple language.
A 2023 study in the International Journal of Sales Management found that using local idioms increased sales success rates by 22% in cross-cultural transactions.
Digital Communication
Jargon can be especially problematic in written communications like emails or social media posts.
Without the context of tone and body language, these phrases can come across as insincere or pushy.
A 2024 Salesforce study found that emails containing sales jargon had a 15% lower open rate and a 27% lower response rate.
Training Tips for Sales Managers
Run regular language audits of sales materials
Role-play scenarios to practice communicating without the jargon
Encourage your team members to call out overused phrases
Positive Language to Use
Focus on words that convey genuine value and build relationships:
"Partnership"
"Customized solution"
"Long-term success"
"Mutual benefit"
"Proven results"
The Takeaway
The best salespeople don't need flashy terms.
They let their results speak for themselves.
Companies looking to attract top talent should focus on offering competitive pay, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.
Skip the clichés and speak plainly about what you can offer candidates.
As sales expert Anthony Iannarino puts it:
"At the end of the day, sales is about building relationships and delivering value. The language you use should reflect that—not tired stereotypes about the industry."
Ready to take your sales skills to the next level? Check out my comprehensive guide on B2B sales strategies for expert tips and techniques.
Call to Action
Take a critical look at your sales communications.
Are you relying on any of these overused phrases?
Challenge yourself and your team to remove jargon and focus on clear, customer-centric language.
Your sales results—and your customers—will thank you!
Looking for more sales insights? Explore my best sales podcasts for ongoing learning and improvement in your sales career.
Looking for a new job? Check out our exclusive listings of the latest Remote Sales Jobs we share every week and start applying today!
💡Be clear. Straight to the point when prospecting. Check out my "Cold Email Mastery" course. Stop spamming and start writing emails that convert!
Part 2: Advanced Sales Communication Techniques
Here’s what I’m covering in the 2nd part—exclusive to my premium subscribers:
Psychology Behind Sales Jargon
Why companies use these terms
The impact on company culture and employee morale
How to recognize and avoid falling into the jargon trap
Effective Alternatives to Overused Phrases
A comprehensive list of alternative phrases for common sales jargon
How to communicate effectively without relying on clichés
Industry-Specific Jargon Guide
Breakdown of jargon by industry (tech, finance, healthcare, etc.)
How to translate industry-specific jargon for clients
Training Guide for Sales Managers
How to coach your team to avoid overused jargon
Techniques for fostering authentic communication
Upgrade now and take your sales communication to the next level!
“Thanks to the tips, I'm closing deals faster than ever before.” -Mike R., Account Executive
1. Psychology Behind Sales Jargon
Why companies use these terms
…