Technical jargon is killing your client relationships

Last week, I reflected on patience.  Patience with people. Patience with the process. Patience with myself. And I realized something: the more patient I am, the better I perform.

Why? I stopped worrying about what others were doing and focused on what I could do better.

Lately, I’ve been applying this to my client calls and contracts. Instead of assuming they “get it,” I take a breath. I slow down. I simplify.

Because here’s the hard truth:

If your client doesn’t understand your contract, it’s your fault.

The “What’s This?” Moment

For you to understand this better, I want you to picture something.

Imagine you've just scored a huge client - like, the project of your dreams. You sit down, whip up the contract, and send it off.

You’re feeling pretty great about it. The contract looks solid - detailed, clear, and technically on point.

But then the client calls:

“What’s an API integration?”

“What do you mean by ‘data migration’?”

“Is maintenance included? And what’s this ‘scope creep’ thing?”

Suddenly, they're firing off more questions than you have answers for. You spend the next 20 minutes trying to explain your own contract.

What happens next? They start to hesitate. You can sense their uncertainty.

Their trust in you? Definitely shaken. Not because your work is lacking, but because they just don’t get it.

Technical Jargon = Trust Killer

Here’s the problem: You’re in the IT industry.

You live and breathe technical terms. Words like “front-end deployment,” “backend integration,” and “SaaS scalability” are second nature to you.

But to your clients? It’s noise. It’s overwhelming. And when a contract is full of unfamiliar jargon, confusion sets in:

1. Delays: They hesitate to approve the project. Doubt creeps in.

2. Disputes: Misunderstandings about scope and deliverables lead to arguments down the line.

3. Eroded Trust: Clients start wondering if you’re hiding something behind complicated language.

Because the thing is - Confusion erodes confidence. And confidence is the foundation of a smooth project.

My Three Ways to Fix It

So, how do you make sure your clients don’t feel like they’re reading Greek? Follow these three steps:

1) Use Plain Language

This doesn’t mean dumbing things down. It means translating technical terms into simple English.

For example:

• Instead of “API Integration,” say “connecting two systems so they can share data.”

• Instead of “data migration,” say “moving your data from the old platform to the new one.”

Is it too technical to simplify completely? Describe it in practical terms.

2) Add a Glossary

For terms you can’t avoid, include a simple glossary. Most good contracts have this up top. It might look like this:

• “API Integration” – Connecting two systems so they can share information.

• “Scope Creep” – Work outside the agreed project that requires extra time or cost.

A client reads that and boom - they get it. No more back-and-forth calls.

3) Use Examples or Visuals

Sometimes, showing is better than telling. Let’s say you’re delivering an e-commerce site. Instead of explaining features in dense paragraphs, include a simple list:

Feature 1: A checkout page for secure payments.

Feature 2: A search bar that lets customers find products easily.

If you can add screenshots, wireframes, or visuals - even better.

People process visuals faster than words.

Clarity Builds Confidence

Here’s what happens when your contracts are clear and jargon-free:

• Clients trust you more. They don’t feel overwhelmed or confused.

• Projects move faster. No delays caused by hesitation or back-and-forth clarifications.

• Disputes disappear. Everything is spelled out, so there’s no room for misinterpretation.

Most importantly? You set yourself apart. Because in an industry where “tech speak” is the default, clarity is a competitive advantage.

The Takeaway

If your clients don’t understand your contract, the problem isn’t the client.

It’s the contract. Your job is to bridge the gap.

Because good contracts can be used as trust builders. When you simplify your language, explain your terms, and focus on clarity—your clients feel confident.

And confidence turns into better projects, stronger relationships, and repeat business.

One last thought: Don't confuse being intentional with your communication as just getting things signed.

Being intentional is more about showing your clients that you care enough to make sure they understand. And that? That’s how you win in the long run.

Btw If you’re an IT service provider struggling with contracts, just reply "HELP".

I’ve seen too many projects go sideways because of misunderstood agreements. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Talk soon,

Akhil