How you communicate with others at work plays a big role in how you’re perceived, your capacity to move projects forward, your ability to generate trust, and how quickly you advance in your career.
That’s according to Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job.”
“Your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas well have a direct correlation to how well you garner cooperation and persuade others to support your efforts and projects,” she says.
The words you choose also convey your emotional intelligence.”
Your verbal communications can make or break your relationship with your boss, team, clients, business partners, and your industry network. And if you use language that dumbs you down, you may be misunderstood by those around you at work, which can significantly hurt your ability to advance.
I – Word Understanding
Perceived – become aware or conscious of (something)
Verbal communication – is the use of sounds and words to express yourself, especially in contrast to using gestures or mannerisms
II – Have Your Say
1. ‘Whatever’
“This is part of a ‘set’ or family that goes with ‘Totally,’ ‘Like’ and ‘Um.’ A family that no one wants to visit,” says Taylor.
2. ‘!@%&$’
Avoid vulgar language and profanities at work. They’re unprofessional and dumb you down.
“Having a trash mouth never got anyone promoted, and can get you into trouble at work. Save it for your ride home (unless you take mass transit),” Taylor writes.
3. ‘Literally’
“This makes you wonder how much productivity time in corporate America could be gained if this useless word could be ‘literally’ banished,” she says.
4. ‘Shout-out’
“No one really needs to shout if they’re congratulating you,” Taylor says. “So let’s put this phrase to rest.”
5. ‘Oh my God!’
There are many better, smarter ways to express your shock or excitement.
6. ‘Totally!’
“Another classic that hasn’t parted from today’s jargon, but can be reminiscent of walking through a mall bursting with teen drama,” says Taylor.
7. ‘Legit’
“It just doesn’t convey a high degree of intelligence,” she says. “You’ll be seen as far more credible when you’re direct and speak professionally.”
8. ‘No worries’
“I have fallen prey to this, and it’s not a big offender,” Taylor admits. “But when it’s used to replace ‘you’re welcome,’ I fear that ‘you’re welcome’ will fade into old English oblivion.”
B.
1. Which word or phrases you usually do?
2. Do you agree that the words and phrases you’re using at work that make you sound dumb?
496 Words and phrases you’re using at work that make you sound dumb
