Language

Want to Seem Smarter? Here’s How!

By in Communication, Language Tags:

SmartOwl

Have you ever wanted to look more intelligent? Maybe you wanted to impress people during an interview, a networking event, or a meeting with new clients?

I think most people have made an attempt to look smarter at some point in their lives. But according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, most people probably went about it all wrong.

Research indicates that when people are asked to “act smart,” they often do the same types of things. They use big words, speak in complex sentences, talk quickly, and look serious. But research suggests that these tactics don’t work. Big words just don’t impress people.

So what does work? Well, here are a few things that can actually make you seem smarter:

  • Try to be relaxed and confident.
  • Look at people while you’re talking. Make eye contact.
  • Speak in a pleasant voice.
  • Speak clearly – no complicated words or sentences.
  • Listen carefully when others are talking. Nod and smile.
  • Make thoughtful comments.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know the answer to a question.
  • Work on your posture. People who sit up straight and stand straight seem smarter.
  • Start using your middle initial.
  • Wear glasses. Apparently, this really does work!

And that’s it! Now take what you’ve learned and go dazzle people with your brilliance! Good luck!

Shellenbarger, S. (2015, January 13). How to look smarter. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-look-smarter-1421189631

Telling Lies

By in Communication, Language Tags: ,

Lying

We all know that lying is bad and wrong. You should never lie to your coworkers! Or should you?

Well, it kind of depends on what type of lie you’re telling. Psychologist Robin Dunbar of Oxford University has found that certain types of lies can actually strengthen the bonds between coworkers and be good for business.

Basically, there are two types of lies:

  • Anti-social lies – These are the kind of lies that people tell to cover up an embarrassing mistake, get out of doing an unpleasant task, avoid blame, or gain power and prestige. It includes things like boasting, exaggerating, unfairly blaming someone for a problem, and spreading malicious gossip.
  • Pro-social lies (also known as “white lies”) – These are the kind of lies that people tell to spare other people’s feelings, protect others, or make other people feel good about themselves. For instance, you might tell someone who is struggling with a project that you’re impressed with the effort that he or she has made so far. Or you might ask how the project is going and act like you’re interested (even if you’re not) because you know the person needs to vent about it. In these instances, you’re not being honest – but you are being kind.

Anti-social lies can cause untold amounts of damage to a company. They fracture relationships, erode trust, and weaken morale. But pro-social lies can actually be beneficial! They can strengthen relationships, improve teamwork, and help to make the office a friendlier, more supportive place.

So go ahead and tell a pro-social lie now and then. It can a have lasting, positive effect. And even if you’re not being entirely truthful, it will probably be appreciated!

 

Goman, C. K. (2014, July 29). Research finds that (some) lies are good for workplace relationships. Forbes. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2014/07/29/research-finds-that-some-lies-are-good-for-workplace-relationships/

 

The Best and Worst Business Buzzwords

By in Communication, Language Tags: , , , ,

Guy_Using_Buzzwords

When you’re at work, do you often hear people use phrases like “It’s on my radar,” “Table this,” or “Think outside the box”?  Most of us do. According to a recent survey by Preply, seven out of ten people use this type of business jargon at the office.

But just because we hear this type of language at work, that doesn’t necessarily mean we like it! The survey results also indicated that one out of five people find business buzzwords to be annoying.

So what terms do people tend to hate the most? Here are the five that were rated most poorly:

  • New normal – This phrase is often used to remind people that they need to adjust to a new, possibly unpleasant situation.
  • Circle back – The idea that a certain issue will need to be discussed again may not be the most pleasant news for some people.
  • Company culture – Respondents felt unhappy when they were told to do things because it was the “company culture” or the “way things are done here” instead of being given a valid reason.
  • Boots on the ground – This phrase is often used to give people the unhappy news that they need to put in long hours at work or an enormous amount of effort in order to get something done.
  • Give 110% – Respondents didn’t appreciate being told that they have to give more than 100%, which isn’t actually possible.

And what business buzzwords did survey respondents find the least annoying? Here are three of the least irritating expressions:

  • At the end of the day – This phrase is often used when people are talking about what was learned from a series of events. Respondents didn’t have a problem with this phrase.
  • Debrief – This word is often used to suggest that people should gather together to discuss something that has occurred. Once again, respondents didn’t mind this jargon.
  • Table this – Survey respondents felt fine about “tabling” something (or putting it aside for now).

People Who Use Filler Speech (Um… Like, You Know)

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Filler_Speech

I once had a coworker who used a lot of “filler speech.” Everything that she said was peppered with words and phrases like “um,” “like,” “I mean,” and “you know.” Just in case you’re not familiar with this style of speech, here’s a sample:

Me: Hey, how are you?
Coworker: Oh, I mean… it’s been a long week, you know? So, I’m a little tired. But… um… I thought I’d go for some coffee. Do you want to come with me?
Me: Yeah, OK.

She definitely got her point across. But with all those extra words and pauses, it took her a little longer to get there.

Is filler speech annoying? Maybe a little. That’s probably why we’re always told to avoid saying these types of words when giving speeches and presentations. And I think that it’s easy to write off people who use a lot of filler speech as being silly or indecisive. But recent research suggests that we might not be giving these people enough credit.

Sociolinguists Laserna, Seih, and Pennebaker studied the language patterns used by a large sample of people, and identified those who favored the use of filler speech (specifically the words “uh,” “um,” “I mean,” “you know,” and “like”). They also examined the results of the personality tests that each participant had taken. Ultimately, the investigators found that people who used filler speech tended to be more thoughtful and conscientious than those who did not.

So… like… it might be annoying. But according to investigators, the people who use filler speech are “more thoughtful and aware of themselves and their surroundings.” And that’s certainly a good thing. So I guess it can’t hurt to be a little tolerant. You know?

What do you think about filler speech? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!

 

Laserna, C. M., Seih, Y., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2014). Um… who like says you know: Filler word use as afunction of age, gender, andpersonality. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 33(3) 328-338.

 

Careful – Rudeness Is Catching!

By in Communication, Language, Learning Tags: ,

Avoiding_Rudeness2

I’m sure we’ve all experienced rude behavior in the workplace. Even in the most civil environments, you encounter it. People might make sarcastic comments, snarky remarks, pointedly ignore a coworker, or roll their eyes. It’s not uncommon – approximately 98% of employees say that they’ve been the target of rude behavior at work.

It can certainly be hurtful when it happens. But here’s what’s really disturbing – it turns out that it can be catching. New research suggests that rudeness is actually contagious. It passes from one person to the next, often without people even realizing it.

In a recent study, researchers asked people to pair up and practice their negotiation skills. Then they assigned them to different partners, and asked them to continue negotiating. Here’s what they found:

  • People who initially worked with someone polite tended to behave politely when paired with a new person.
  • People who initially worked with someone rude were likely to behave in a rude manner when paired with a new person. They passed the rudeness along, just like the common cold.
  • The passage of time didn’t even seem to make a difference. When people initially negotiated with a rude person and then waited a week before negotiating with a new person, they were still more likely to behave rudely.

Even just witnessing rudeness tended to make people more likely to behave in a rude manner. That’s how contagious it appears to be.

Rude behavior can have a detrimental effect on people. It can be damaging to people’s performance, productivity, and creativity. So what can you do to protect yourself and others from this damaging contagion? The researchers who conducted the study offer simple advice… be nice.

 

Foulk, T. (2015, July 28). Rudeness is contagious. Gizmodo. Retrieved from http://gizmodo.com/rudeness-is-contagious-1720535575

 

New Slang Words – Talking to Generation Z

By in Communication, Language Tags: ,

Happy_Teens

Generation Z is considered to be anyone who was born in 1996 or later. So the oldest member of that group is 22 years old now, and just entering the workforce. You might find yourself working with a member of Generation Z sometime soon, so it’s good to stay up-to-date on the slang words that they’re currently using!

Also, it’s fun to learn new, weird terms, don’t you think? I personally love learning new slang words. And I also love using them in conversation, which probably makes the people around me cringe in horror and embarrassment. But hey, that’s OK! If I can make someone laugh (even if it’s at me), then it’s all worth it.

So if you’d like to communicate better with your young colleagues, or you just enjoy learning new slang words, this article is for you. Here is a list of slang words that are currently in style:

  • Lit – A situation or thing that’s cool or exciting. (You wouldn’t use this term to describe a cool person.)
    Example: “This office party is lit!”
  • Chill – Another way to say that something is cool.
    Example: “My new stapler is chill!”
  • Dope – Yet another way to say that something is cool.
    Example: “This free food is dope!”
  • Salty – A way to say that you feel angry or bitter.
    Example: “I’m salty because Marsha wouldn’t stop talking during the meeting.”
  • Looking snatched – A way to describe something that looks perfect.
    Example: “Your hair is looking snatched!”
  • Extra – When someone is trying too hard or being overly dramatic.
    Example: “Bob’s handouts are always in color. He’s so extra.”
  • Slay – A person or thing that’s really great.
    Example: “Thank you for meeting with that client! You slay!”
  • GOAT – An acronym for “greatest of all time.”
    Example: “My mom is the GOAT!”
  • Yeet – Something that you would yell when throwing something or a way to say “yes” with great enthusiasm.
    Example: “I just finished writing that report! Yeet!”

Be warned that slang words go in and out of style really quickly. So some of the items on this list might be viewed as outdated in the very near future. But until then, try to be chill and dope (and avoid being extra), and you’ll slay. Yeet!

 

Bradley-Bernard, N. (2018, August 20). 30 most popular slang words used by teenagers on social media in 2018. Your Tango. Retrieved from: https://www.yourtango.com/2018311003/what-that-popular-teen-slang-word-means-social-media-2018

Premack, R. (2018, September 19). Teens say they cringe when brands use these 11 outdated slang words – here’s what Gen Z is saying instead. Business Insider. Retrieved from: https://www.businessinsider.com/goat-savage-lit-dope-bae-teens-gen-z-slang-words-2018-6

 

Sadako Peace Day

By in Holidays and Celebrations, Language Tags: , ,

Origami

千羽鶴 (Senbazuru).

A thousand paper cranes.

In Japanese mythology, cranes are mystical animals believed to have lived for a thousand years and bring luck and longevity. There is a legend in Japan that says if you can fold a thousand paper cranes, you will receive a wish, such as a long life or recovery from an illness.

On August 6, 1945, a nuclear bomb dropped in Hiroshima, Japan. A little girl only two years old named Sadako Sasaki had been in her home about two kilometers away from the explosion. Approximately ten years later, Sasaki was diagnosed with leukemia and was given, at most, a year to live.

According to the website maintained by her family, Sasaki was told of the legend of a thousand cranes. And after seeing other patients around her folding paper cranes in order to get a wish, she started on her own journey to fold cranes.

She lacked paper in the hospital, so she created these creatures with paper from get-well presents or wrappings from medicine bottles given to her. Her family and friends would often come by and help her fold more cranes as the days passed by.

By the end of August, Sasaki had folded a thousand cranes and continued to do so.

Sasaki passed away on October 25, 1955.

Of course, a legend is a legend. No one could predict what would happen with Sasaki, but unfortunately, she wasn’t able to survive the consequences of the bombing.

Perhaps the cranes didn’t listen to her wish. Perhaps they did, and she wished for something else instead. There is no final word on what Sasaki really wanted, and only she will know the truth.

This just helps to bring war into perspective.

About 80,000 victims died instantly in the Hiroshima bombing. Sadako Sasaki was just one of about 112,000 victims that later died as a result of its aftermath and radiation.

The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation holds an annual event around August 6th to remember Sadako Sasaki’s story and pay tribute to the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.

As a result of war, innocent lives were taken.

Of course, this world will never be perfect. There will always be conflict, as it is normal behavior to show power through confrontation.

But stand up for peaceful solutions and try to find the best in a situation. Put yourselves in the shoes of those you fight against and understand them.

When the time comes, peace may turn your worst enemies into your best allies.

Two Words You Should Avoid Saying

By in Communication, Language Tags: , ,

Do_not_speak

We all want to be viewed as valuable and essential employees. We want to help out our coworkers. We want to be good team players.

So when we’re asked to go above and beyond on a project, we buckle down, put in the long hours, and get the work done. And when we’re thanked for our efforts, many of us respond with “no problem.”

It’s a common response. It’s modest and gracious. But according to author Niklas Goeke, it also makes light of the effort that was involved in getting the work done. When you use the phrase “no problem,” you’re suggesting that the work was easy. No big deal! And you’re inviting people to take advantage of your time and effort in the future.

So how should you respond instead? Goeke recommends that you simply say “you’re welcome.” It’s friendly, polite, and doesn’t minimize or trivialize the work that you did.

 

Goeke, N. (n.d.). The 2 words you need to delete from your vocabulary today. The Muse. Retrieved from https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-2-words-you-need-to-delete-from-your-vocabulary-today?ref=the-muse-editors-picks-1

The History of the Oxford Comma

By in Language Tags: , ,

Oxford_Comma

There’s always been a lot of controversy surrounding the Oxford comma. Should you use it or should you leave it out? (Personally, I think you should use it. I mean, what the heck? It’s important!)

The Oxford comma appears in a list of items, right before the conjunction.

  • Here’s an example of a sentence with no Oxford comma: “I enjoy looking at pictures of my friends, Barack Obama and Michael Fassbender.” Without the Oxford comma, it sounds like Barack Obama and Michael Fassbender are two of my best friends. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
  • And here’s the same sentence with an Oxford comma: “I enjoy looking at pictures of my friends, Barack Obama, and Michael Fassbender.” Now it’s clear that I’m just a weirdo who likes looking at pictures of politicians and celebrities on the internet. Much more accurate!

But how did this punctuation mark come into existence? Who was the first person to decide we should use it? Watch the following video to learn all about the history of this controversial comma!

When Less Is More… I Mean Fewer

By in Language Tags:

ShoppingCart

So, you’re checking out at the grocery store and you have eight items in your basket. The Express Lane clearly says “10 items or less” and you wait in that line.

You stand there staring at the sign. Wait a minute! Was that was how you were taught to write at school? Surely “less” is wrong! Shouldn’t it be “fewer”?

When less is more...I mean fewer
When less is more…I mean fewer

You’re absolutely right. Grammarians often talk about count nouns and mass nouns. A count noun is something that you can count (one, two, three…), and a mass noun is somehow uncountable.

For example, you can count items. You simply have to look in your grocery cart! But can you really count flour? One flour, two flours, three flours? No, of course not. You could possibly talk about grains of flour, and I wouldn’t envy any grocery store employee tasked with that job!

So, what’s the rule? Use “less” with mass nouns like flour, and “fewer” with items you can count.

Here are a few examples:

Count Nouns                  Mass Nouns

Fewer dollars                                               Less money

Fewer teaspoons of sugar                          Less sugar

Fewer bottles of wine                                 Less wine

Fewer calories                                              Less energy

Fewer brain cells                                         Less brain power

Fortunately, “more” does not present the same dilemma. You can use “more” with count nouns and mass nouns!

 

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