ere's an interesting game you can play the next time you're in a meeting, presentation, etc and someone is high on jargon. It's attributed to US government official Philip Broughton who calls it the:

:::::::::::: drumroll please ::::::::::::

SYSTEMATIC BUZZ PHRASE PROJECTOR

Study the following lists.

0 Integrated 0 Management 0 Options
1 Total 1 Organisational 1 Flexibility
2 Systematised 2 Monitored 2 Capability
3 Parallel 3 Reciprocal 3 Mobility
4 Functional 4 Digital 4 Programming
5 Responsive 5 Logistical 5 Concept
6 Optional 6 Transitional 6 Time-phase
7 Synchronised 7 Incremental 7 Projection
8 Compatible 8 Third-generation 8 Hard-ware
9 Balanced 9 Policy 9 Contingency

Now think of any three digit number and select the corresponding buzzword from each column. For instance, number 257 produces "Systematised logistical projection."

This phrase can be dropped into virtually any conversation with that decisive ring of authority. "No one will have the remotest idea what you`re talking about", says Broughton, "but no one is going to admit it.

Note from Q&P: I first heard of the Buzz Phrase Projector in grad school on my first day in Library Science 501-- Dissemination of Information class, taught by Gordy Coleman. Nice prof, great loafers.

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