Big Words. Jargon. Lingo. TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms).
When striving to communicate for success, these are not your friend.
Why? Because most of the time the person you are talking to is not understanding. Essentially, you are talking AT them, not with them. And isn't the point of talking to communicate an understandable message?
Why do people talk this way? A number of reason:
1. They think it impresses people... "See how smart I am!" Sorry. They just think your a geek... or worse.
2. They have not developed any other ways of talking. I suggest they read more and record themselves.
3. They don't understand the perspective of the other person. This one takes effort but is important.
4. They don't care about the other person. Dumb *ss. See number 1 above again.
5. They were easily impressed when someone else did this and think its impressive. Sorry, that just suggests they have self esteem issues. See number 1 again!
Now granted, there are time where this type of language is useful and important, particularly when working or meeting with peers, mentors, bosses or others that use the same language. In these cases, the language of the business or project may be necessary and important. The language may even be a critical tool. But most of the time it isn't and if you want your projects and deals to succeed you better understand that quick!
Language is interesting. It is a tool. HOW you use it can often tell more than WHAT you say. What does your language say about you?
Thank goodness I don't know any big words.
Hi Lenn! LOL!
I know better than that... but I also have read enough of your writing to know that you are very good at when and where to use those words!
Hi Glenn! What's funny is when someone is trying to use big words and mispronounces them, or uses them incorrectly.
I "think" it is usually to impress someone-they THINK.
I enjoyed reading your post over a cup of coffee on this fine Saturday morning. Do enjoy the weekend
Yes. I was taught in radio to communicate to a 3rd to 5th grade mentality for reasons you've outlined . . . appeal to the masses.
I love words though--and if I hear one I don't know the meaning of, I look it up. :)
I don't care if words are big or small. It's all good. I'm on Earth to learn.
My pet peeve is misspelled/misused words. Especially on contracts. HAHA
Hi Glenn ~ I agree about jargon and I'm not one to speak in an overly formal manner (ha ha - right there I thought --- oooh should I use "way" instead of "manner"?!!) but somebody's "big words" may be another's regular old words. And that's ok. I would love the opportunity to learn a new word - or more likely how to pronounce one. As a reader all my life I've been familiar with far more words than I know how to pronounce. My grandfather also was a reader and it's a tale told in my family for years - my grandmother was trying to hem my new dress and needed me to turn around. "Pi-root Liz! Pi-root!!" We still chuckle about it.
Liz
Glenn..If I am correct most people read and speak on a 6th grade reading level..please correct me if I am wrong..so they are wasting their words...Thanks
I enjoyed your blog
HelpfulHannah your friend in Philadelphia
Hi Ann! I forgot about that aspect. I worked with a fellow years ago that often complained of being made the "scrapegoat."! :-) G
Kat... yes indeed. It impresses them, so they think it is impressive. Thanks! G
Hello Katiejo! Thank you for visiting and sharing a greeting!! Thank you much! G
Hi Candice! I grew up in a house with a big vocabulary (Dad is a writer, English major and taught English at the college level, Mom is an RN with another set of words!). I too like the variety of words... as long as it compatible with those I am speaking with. Thanks!! G
Hi Liz! LOL! My Dad says I write like I speak, which tends to not be formal. I think it is a compliment but I'm not sure. :-) G
Hello Hannah! I don't have stats to confirm but your comment makes sense. And should be remembered by all if their goal is to really communicate! Thanks!! G
Glenn, Sage advice. We must adapt to our listener to properly communicate.
Glenn, What a perspicacious mind you have. I found your post to be quite communicative. I will utilize these techniques in my future intercourse with others.