Be Careful When You Use Church Tech Speak

Every profession and hobby has their own kind of “speak.” You may refer to it as “lingo” or “technical terms.” It’s a special language shared by those who are active in a particular niche or subculture and sometimes the depth of your vernacular communicates to the listener how deep or how high you are invested in the space.

For those active in radio or broadcasting, things like “cutting some wraps,” “laying down some VOs,” or “using a donut” are very clear ways to communicate to one another. To the outsider, however, much is lost in these meanings. Much like gamers use terms like “min/max,” “OP,” or getting a chance to “pwn some n00bs” on a free weekend. Again, you may know exactly what I am talking about or you are completely lost.

The same can be said for Church tech. This isn’t much of a problem unless you try to use these terms to someone outside the Church tech circle. It’s important to initially recognize and acknowledge who your listener is, and use language the listener understands. It’s up to you, the Church tech, to translate your message – no matter how simple of terms you have to use.

Learning from Failure

Last month, we see an extreme case of “tech speak” play out over social media with video game developers. In this cool documentary of how Horizon Zero Dawn was developed, it shows how the 3D world is only rendered where the player is viewing:

[Video via YouTube at 18:19]

This is the first time I’ve seen something like this and thought it was pretty cool. Clearly I’m not the only one, otherwise Kotaku would not have produced the video. Unfortunately, some game developers took to Twitter to mock portions of the documentary:

Have you heard of Frustum culling?

It’s hardly something casually thrown around the dinner table.

They go on:

Clear Communication

This is a fine example how not to behave on social media or face-to-face. In an effort to sound smart and joke with their peers, I assume, they come-off as being arrogant and pompous to everyone else.

This can be a lesson for all of us – I suppose – not just Church techs.

It may be tempting to show-off how much you know by using language and terms reserved for fellow techies. Resist! The most important thing about communication is to communicate. Consider your audience and use an appropriate vocabulary that can be understood by all. Explain concepts that may not be understand by those listening, even at the cost of pride that can be lost when you don’t use the kind of tech speak that may impress your peers.

And above all else, don’t be like these video game developers who mocked and ridiculed those who didn’t understand these fundamental video game development concepts.

[HT Polygon]

Eric Dye

Proprietor of ChurchMag

I am a blogger, business owner and lover of coffee. I spend most of my time as Programs Director for Open Church, but you'll also find me as a writer and editor for ChurchMag and ChurchMag Press. All while enjoying my family and sipping espresso in Italy.