Wow.
That’s awesome.
No problem.
Ever notice how we tend to lean on certain words, certain phrases? They quickly start sounding tired, clichéd, boring. They fail to make the positive impression we want to make when we speak. Today let’s look at ways you can upgrade your language so you can sound smarter. And, when you turn these verbal changes into habits, they will sound natural—and smart.
What we don’t mean is making your word choices obscure or overly formal. What we do mean here is getting rid of shop-worn phrases and words and replacing them with more precise, powerful language. There is a fine line here, and it’s best not to go too far in either direction. For example, a scientist who overuses scientific jargon and relies too heavily on detail can confuse and lose the audience. The same scientist could use everyday language (or explain terms as they arise) and increase descriptive language, metaphors and stories. In this way they can be understood more easily, remembered more readily, and still be accurate and concise.
What are some common pitfalls?
“Dumbing down.” We don’t like that phrase and that is not what we are talking about here. What we are talking about is knowing who your listeners are and trying to match them as closely as you can in language and word choices. If you don’t know your listeners well, try to learn more before the meeting or presentation, ask for feedback as you go, or provide a glossary for those who do not know all the terms you need to use.
Using the phrase of the day. Shut the front door (makes me cringe.) No problem (also cringeworthy.) That is so last year. Think about different phrases that are more elegant: I am shocked to hear that. It is my pleasure. That style is out of date. These phrases may be slightly more formal, but they still use everyday language and simple words. They sound more elegant.
Using overused/generic adjectives: Cool. Awesome. Great. Better. Fine. Why not be a bit more specific instead by using words like, fabulous. Fantastic. Impressive. Inspirational. Unique. Elegant. Profound. You’ll do well to match the formality of the occasion and audience. On the shop floor you will sound different than in the board room, we hope. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable with any of these choices, try to find something that fits your style and the occasion.
Using language to impress. Sometimes people “hide” behind big or obscure words that listeners may not even understand. Remember in school when you learned to use a 5¢ word instead of a 25¢ word in writing? Same concept here. Language that is too formal can make you sound pretentious, old-fashioned, or fussy. We don’t want to be sloppy, but we don’t want to be tiresome either. Think about writing a business letter; today we skip much of the formal language (“please find enclosed”) and use everyday language (“I have included, or I have attached.”)
Using idioms. Hit it out of the park. Beat around the bush. Costs an arm and leg. Speak of the devil. In for a penny, in for a pound. We know what we mean, but will our listeners? If they come with different cultural or language backgrounds, there is a good chance they will be confused for no good reason. What’s more, native speakers often use these idioms without thinking, because they are familiar to us. Strive to say what you mean rather than using an idiom. Or use it but make a point to say what the idiom means.
Fillers. We have spoken of fillers many times, and we still hear them. Don’t you? We think it is exceptionally difficult to rid yourself of every filler, but if you have an inordinate amount of them, it is probably worthwhile to focus on reducing them. Becoming aware of them is a great start. Slowing down slightly and getting more comfortable with pauses will help you reduce fillers.
What are some strategies for upgrading your language?
Listen to others. Are they making the mistakes we have listed here? Does this impact their clarity, or their credibility? Is it something you may wish to work on in your own speaking?
Listen to yourself. Record your phone conversations, meetings, presentations, even business or personal dinners. When you listen to yourself, what do you use? Which words, phrases or habits would make you sound smarter?
Change one habit at a time. Instead of overhauling your entire spoken image, choose the one habit you want to change first, and work on that. Over time, select other habits to change or build.
Don’t expect perfection. Speaking habits are ingrained over many years, and don’t often change overnight. Be patient. Don’t get discouraged if it is slow going. Just keep at it and over time you will indeed sound smarter when you speak.