Words Matter

Advice on Communicating (Learned the Hard Way)

So which is it? — 05/25/2011

So which is it?

Signs like these really make you wonder about the green movement, don’t they? If you really are “saving the world” with your hybrid car, then shouldn’t that be reward enough?

Do they sell these cars on “saving the world,” or on “saving the world + special parking privileges”?

What to avoid when speaking to a group — 05/16/2011

What to avoid when speaking to a group

According to a Gallup poll, these are the things that people find most annoying about other people’s speaking habits. Commit them to memory, so you won’t make these mistakes when it’s your turn at the podium.

Cursing 84%
Mumbling, talking too softly 80%
Talking too loudly 73%
Monotonous or boring voice 73%
Filler words like “um,” “you know” and “uh” 69%
A nasal whine 67%
Talking too fast 66%
Poor grammar, mispronouncing words 63%
A high-pitched voice 61%