Last night, thanks to Twitter I found an interesting post on a previously unheard of site, at least for me. The post is named "10 Business Words to Ban," the site: Harvard Business Publishing.
Our choice of words in conversations does matter. Word selection becomes increasingly relevant as we present our views on-line in blogs and other forms of social media.
From the post, words to avoid include:
- As well as
- And/or
- Value added
- Net-net
- Out of pocket
We might all agree that certain words, terms, and phrases, including those cited above, have been overused to the point of invoking a certain feeling of doubt or distrust when we hear them.
Simply said: the words we choose are determinants of real emotions felt be others based on their personal experiences. For example, I've learned to question the motives of anyone who offers a product or service for free, but then adds the words: a $ _ _ _ value.
Do you agree?
There are other words whose meanings have been diluted by overuse that aren't included on the list. The expression "Paradigm Shift" has been overused to the point of being ridiculous, as has"price point."
Why not say that something costs $ _ _ _ ? It's less stuffy and more direct than saying that it has a price point of $ _ _ _.
"Consultant" is another word that's been abused through overuse. By definition, a consultant is guaranteed a fee, not a commission, for rendering advise or judgment. The vast majority of self-proclaimed consultants are in fact salespeople.
Is that so bad?
I'm thinking that "social media strategy" and "google juice" are "on the path" (another overused expression) to becoming inappropriate due to excessive use.
Can you think of any other words that should be avoided because they've been spoken or written to the point of making others uncomfortable?
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Ed, I like this post! The latest word that I find to be overused? Transparent or transparency! ;-)