Three Simple Tips for Decoding Veterinary Speak

Regional limb perfusion.

Thermo-neutral zone.

If you’re a veterinarian, these technical terms are part of your vocabulary.

But the average reader who’s not a veterinary professional, will that person know their meanings?

Chances are they won’t, and if you fail to define or explain technical terms in your content, you could be losing out on building or growing your customer base.

If your aim as an animal health business or veterinarian is to offer a product or service to non-technical consumers through your content, sharing your knowledge is essential. That includes getting your audience up to speed with veterinary jargon.

Why Explaining Technical Veterinary Terms Matters for Non-Technical Audiences

Technical veterinary terms are unavoidable when writing about animal health, which isn’t a problem if veterinarians are your primary audience.

However, technical language can create confusion and frustration when your audience isn’t part of that group, making your content less valuable.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Animal owners and caretakers constantly seek information to educate themselves on how to better care for their animals.

When you include jargon like “regional limb perfusion” or “thermo-neutral zone” in your writing without explanation, it can leave readers bewildered.

Explaining these words in less technical language bridges the gap by translating expert terminology into everyday understanding.

This transformation enlightens the layperson audience by offering a more digestible, relatable depiction of their topic of interest. With this fuller comprehension, they can make better health decisions about their animals.

Building Trust and Credibility

Readers appreciate precise communication - it builds credibility.

If you’re viewed as credible, the audience is more likely to trust your advice. Explaining complex terms demonstrates your conviction to educate so they can achieve a sufficient grasp.

And they recognize that you’re not just in it to showcase your expertise.

Enhancing Engagement and Retention

Understandable, helpful content will likely be read, shared, and remembered.

Simplifying technical terms is one way to keep readers reading rather than clicking away in frustration. It also makes them more likely to return for future content.

How to Simplify Without Oversimplifying

• Define terms the first time you use them.

         For example, in an article I wrote recently about cold-weather nutrition management for winter herds,           I explained the term thermo-neutral zone this way: All animals have a thermo-neutral zone. Think of             this as a “comfort zone” where animals don’t experience temperature-related stress, and conditions             are ideal for body maintenance, performance, and health.

• Use analogies to explain complex processes.

         For instance, think of cortisol as the body’s “stress hormone” – when there’s too much, it’s like an               engine running too hot for too long.

• Provide context for the term.

         I edited an article about heel bulb injuries in horses. To clarify how to identify synovial fluid, I wrote:             If the wound leaks synovial fluid, which is clear and yellowish looking…

In short, explaining technical veterinary terms is essential for making animal health information valuable, worthwhile, and educational.

Doing so ensures that your less technical or scientific audience will walk away informed, confident, and ready to provide the best care for their animals.

And ready to do business with you.
 
Thank you for reading this post!
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If you need a non-veterinary “expert” to decode your prose, have questions about what I do, or are ready to collaborate, please get in touch with me at [email protected] or 508-277-4929.
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