"When readers or listeners come across these tired expressions, they start tuning out and completely miss the message -- assuming there is one!" said John Lister, spokesman for the Plain English Campaign, which carried out the survey.

The group surveyed its 5,000 supporters in more than 70 countries as part of the build-up to its 25th anniversary later this year.

"Using these terms in business is about as professional as wearing a novelty tie or having a wacky ring tone on your phone," Lister said.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 3, 2004
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