Big corporations absolutely love their acronyms, don't they? It's even more amusing when top executives' initials also get included in a company's dizzying web of abbreviated terminologies. I know from experience that as a corporation grows larger, new acronyms get invented within the ranks and, like Gretchen Weiners, use them so often you'd think they were so fetch.
The danger with using acronyms willy-nilly though is assuming that they are necessary in communication. Most things do not need to be shortened into acronyms.
At this webpage is a very clear guide on how much is too much when it comes to acronyms. Here is a summary of the finer points:
- Define acronyms
It's arrogant to assume that people should just wade through your alphabet soup and expect them to catch up through constant exposure. The burden of clarity will always be on the communicator.
- Stick to one definition per acronym
Only one description per acronym please! Or just spell it out to prevent the danger of misinterpretation.
- Be consistent in how you use them
Always spell them out at the start of each discussion or paper. Use them in subsequent mentions according to the definition that you have already set.
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