Guide 102 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Bandwidth”
Network jargon turned into meeting-speak for "time" or "capacity."
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
Originally a measure of data throughput. In business writing it means "do I have time or energy?" — which those plainer words say better. Reserve "bandwidth" for networks.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
I don't have the bandwidth to take that on right now.
After
I don't have the capacity to take that on right now.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Capacity neutral
scarcity of slots
No capacity this sprint.
- 02Time neutral
plainest
No time this sprint.
- 03Headroom neutral
slack above current load
No headroom to take more on.
- 04Slack neutral
play in the schedule
No slack for discretionary work.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
"Bandwidth" in a calendar conversation is a small apology dressed as tech.