Mind Your Language

I was reading the Mail Online the other day, I know but it doesn't make me an entirely bad person, and I came across this interesting article on office vocabulary.  The article effectively highlighted   words that people commonly use and hold them back in their career.

1.   Just: This word minimises the power of your statement and creates the sense of defensiveness or apologies.  It is often used as a subconscious defence mechanism and shield against rejection in the form of "NO".
2.   I'm no expert, but:  This is a phrase to be avoided because it suggests you are wrong even before you give you view or opinion.  It diminishes your credibility.
3.   What If We Tried:  This turns your idea into a popularity poll and sacrifices ownership, and in turn invites rebuttal, which can make you feel criticised.  your idea is as valid as any other and should be listened to.
4.   I Can't:   This says you are giving up and refusing to take control over your actions.  Always understand the difference between I Can't and I Won't.
5.   That is like so great:  Never distract your audience with superfluous words as these indicate uncertainty and hesitancy.  This can even make you seem untrustworthy.
6.   Exclamation Marks/Emoji's:  Seen as signs of insecurity and insincerity.
7.   Am I Making Sense:  Opens up the possibility of questioning whether you are or not.

Now this is all interesting and good, but I ran a three day poll of checking how many times, if any, I or any one I was meeting, or communicating, with used any of these.  And on EU referendum day it feels appropriate to share the results.

Just - 14 times and each time I checked myself and found I was thinking 'they're weak'.
I'm no expert - None - maybe they have all run away given the pressure on experts in the referendum.
What if we tried? - 3 times, and its right, it becomes a popularity contest.
I Can't - 9 times and each time I knew it was because they didn't want to.
That is like so great - None - who says that outside of America?
Exclamation Marks/Emojis - Excluding my kids messages, 4 times and yes all flaky people.
Am I making sense? - I asked that 3 times myself.  Funnily enough I thought I was being inclusive and allowing for people to have a slightly slower thought process than me, as if that was possible.

So apart from my self-analysis there is something in this and I would suggest we proactively think about the vocabulary we use in business in order to ensure we demonstrate we are positive, credible, secure, trustworthy and take ownership.  Then all we have to do is walk the talk.