Ever noticed that your use of language can create real barriers to communication?

It's pretty well understood that the sort of language you use can really alienate an individual or a group.  That's why we're repeatedly told to communicate in simple language, to avoide technical jargon and to keep it simple. 

I presented a 30 minute information session to 200+ Defence Personnel who were contemplating careers outside of Defence.  A daunting prospect for many of them.  In preparing my session I was very conscious of the language I was using.  You see I sometimes get told off for using a big word when a little word will do.  I like words though and have found that the big words often describe something so specifically and so accurately it's hard to not use it.  Problem is, if the listener doesn't know that big word then all your specific and accurate go straight out the window and you end up nowhere.

What I noticed today as I observed some ex Defence members present their information is that as much as I have my own professional language so to do the Defence personnel.  It got me to thinking... "Is there really a common language?" and "How do two seperate groups really communicate with each other?"

And the kicker "how do we know when we've really been understood?"

Thoughts anyone?