While it has been shown that healthcare providers often use medical jargon, less is known about how patients prefer their clinicians communicate.This mixed-methods study aimed to better understand the general public's preference in healthcare communication.Common descriptive themes for the jargon-using doctor included that this doctor caused confusion, was too technical, and was uncaring, while the doctor who spoke without jargon was perceived as a good communicator, caring/empathetic, and approachable.Overall, 91% of survey respondents preferred the doctor who communicated without medical jargon.