Is your
communication full of clichés and tired old expressions? In public speaking, frequently
using phrases like "you know" and "see what I mean" can be
just as distracting to your listeners as frequently using filler words
like "um" and "ah." These tired and overused words and phrases
dilute the power of the message you are trying to convey.
According to Jeremy Butterfield's book Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, here are the ten most overused expressions, along with my comments:
According to Jeremy Butterfield's book Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, here are the ten most overused expressions, along with my comments:
- "At
the end of the day" (one of those phrases which has been overused and
is now essentially meaningless)
- "Fairly
unique" (impossible – it's either unique or it's not)
- "I
personally think" (you don't need "personally" because
"I" already conveys who is doing the thinking)
- "At
this moment in time" (replace with "now" – using fewer
words is usually better)
- "With
all due respect" (eliminate, since it's usually followed by a
statement that is anything but respectful)
- "Absolutely"
(I overuse this phrase and am working on reducing how many times I start
my sentences with it, especially when responding to a question)
- "It's
a nightmare" (usually this phrase is an exaggeration – avoid it
unless the seriousness of the situation truly warrants it)
- "Shouldn't
of" (this is my personal pet peeve and I hear and see it everywhere -
the correct phrase should be "shouldn't have")
- "24/7"
(at one time, this may have been an interesting, unique phrase, but it has
become so overused as to render it tired and clichéd)
- "It's
not rocket science" (another popular variation is "it's not
brain surgery" – reduce usage of these phrases because obviously, very
little is rocket science or brain surgery)
What is your personal top ten list of overused phrases? Once
you've identified them, replace them in your public speaking with more powerful
and evocative words that will help you convey your message clearly and
memorably.
© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 2 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com
© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 2 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com