We all throw around buzzwords, words that the mere utterance motivates a crowd and makes us sound so savvy, but what are buzzwords, do they really mean anything?  Why, no matter how knowledgeable, no matter how educated and informed we are, do we insist on using buzzwords?  What draws us to use buzzwords, after a day of buzzword heavy meeting with people whom I respect and feel are very bright, why did I leave these meetings wondering “what just went on”?  The occasional buzzword, well placed can add emphasis to a statement, perhaps likened to the infamous name-drop.  Nobody really cares who you say you know unless you use your “name-drops” sparingly and placed strategically (also a buzzword).  For example here is a sentence that uses way too many buzzwords and name drops all in the wrong place;

My strategy summit lead to a significant deal of innovative concepts being derived and generated, this conceptual experience was reminiscent of time with the Kennedy’s several years back in Martha’s Vineyard.

Basically buzzwords and name drops are filler, an acceptable form of BS or bluffing if you will.  So why do we accept it, what is it about buzzwords that drives us mad, why do we love to sound so cliche, so outdated and antiquated?  Because it is exhilarating to sound so motivational and savvy, ah buzzwords, they are so great.