That's A Wrap

This is a post which I’ve contemplated writing many times. If you take offence don’t point the finger at me, instead blame my English teacher who despised the use of certain words. In particular, I can visualise his face, contorted in intellectual torment whenever anyone uttered the word .. “nice”.

“It’s a nothing word,” he would scream. “Don’t use that word in my class - it’s lazy, ambiguous, and inexpressive”. Consequently, unless you wanted to invoke his wrath, you simply didn’t use the word "nice".

Language is dynamic. What was once semantically unacceptable in certain situations becomes the norm. Is it really progress though or does it just make us a little more bland and predictable?

I must admit there are certain words that when I hear them used in a business context, especially on LinkedIn, cause me to recoil and appreciate why my English teacher was tormented by the use of the word “nice”.

So here are my top ten and what I "actually" think of when I read/hear them.

1.??“Blessed” – I have a great family, job I enjoy and have travelled to lots of interesting places.

2.?“Awesome” – The descent on the Bealach na Ba pass. If you don’t know it.. look it up!

3. “Super” – The catchphrase of David Harris-Jones , the shy and confidence-lacking Sunshine Desserts sales executive in the Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin.

4. “Great” – The catchphrase of the other not-so-shy and full-of-confidence Sunshine Desserts sales executive, Tony Webster, in the Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin.

5.?“Congrats” – Come on don’t be so lazy .. only another seven letters and you have a real word.

6.?“That’s a wrap” – The next Hollywood blockbuster which has just finished filming.

7.?“Proud” – After much cajoling my dog learned to bark on command.

8. “Excited” – I’ve just won ￡100 on the Lottery.

9.?“Beyond excited” – No. Scrub that I was wrong. Make that ￡100,000.

10. “Thrilled” – When I caught Mike Rutherford’s (Genesis guitarist) plectrum at a concert.

Look I’m undoubtedly a hypocrite. I’m certain the odd word on the list may have inadvertently slipped from my lips or keyboard in the past however, the essence of standing out is by being different. Why not take the path less trodden the next time you post something or write an email?

If you do that, I’ll feel blessed that you took my advice to heart and will think of you as an awesome person. The fact that you have adapted your style will not only be super but also great and I won't just like your post but will offer you huge congrats. I’ll be proud that you have changed your approach and excited by what this may mean for you, in fact beyond excited.. I’ll be thrilled. That’s a wrap!